Ukrainian diplomat Serhii Kyslytsia addresses Oslo rally: warns war will be long, urges continued support

Ukraine’s First Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Serhii Kyslytsia delivered a powerful address at a Ukrainian community rally in Oslo on June 11, warning that Russia’s threat to Ukraine will persist even with a ceasefire and calling for unwavering international support. 

The former permanent representative of Ukraine to the United Nations spoke to the demonstrators at one of the rallies organized by the Ukrainian community in Norway, he praised the community’s steadfast advocacy and thanked Norwegians for their consistent backing. 

“We were honored to speak with Serhii Kyslytsia — a legend of diplomacy who defends the dignity of our freedom and our country every day,” the community wrote.

Kyslytsia began his speech by thanking Ukrainians in Norway for their support. He said that the struggle continues.

“The war will go on for a long time. Even if tomorrow we reach a ceasefire agreement with the Russian Federation — which it doesn’t want — the threat from Russia will still hang over our country for a long time,” he said.

Ukraine will need its partners’ support “for a very long time,” including that of Norway.

“That’s why I urge you — and I’m sure you already do — every day, when you meet your Norwegian friends and colleagues, thank them. Thank them for the fact that the Norwegian people and government are so consistent and steadfast in supporting Ukraine. Supporting not only with words, but with action,” Kyslytsia said.

This support is very important, he stressed, and “we must not underestimate it.”

“Victory will be ours! We will win!” Kyslytsia said.

As a gesture of gratitude, the diplomat presented Iryna Oliferuk, the rally’s host, with a diplomatic corps pin for her contribution to advocating for Ukraine’s interests.

“Mr Serhii Kyslytsia struck us as simply a wonderful person. We’re proud that he spoke at our daily demonstration!” said Natalia Ravn-Christensen, head of the Ukrainian community in Norway.