Sweden sends Ukraine a replica of Bohdan Khmelnytsky’s unique battle banner
Photo: A replica of Hetman Bohdan Khmelnytsky’s battle banner, presented to Ukraine by Sweden (video screenshot)
Sweden has handed over to Ukraine a handcrafted replica of the battle banner of Hetman Bohdan Khmelnytsky, the original of which has been preserved for centuries in a Swedish museum, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.
The artifact, handmade by Swedish craftsmen, was presented to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha during his visit to Sweden. The Foreign Ministry noted that the agreement to transfer the replica was reached last year during a meeting between Sybiha and Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard in Uzhhorod.
"Today we are bringing back from oblivion an important artifact of Ukrainian heritage," the head of Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry said.
According to him, this is a continuation of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s initiative to return historical figures, artifacts, and cultural heritage to Ukraine.
Sweden sends Ukraine a replica of Bohdan Khmelnytsky’s unique battle banner pic.twitter.com/JFilHHE77J
— RBC-Ukraine (@NewsUkraineRBC) May 20, 2026
The ministry recalled that after the Battle of Berestechko in 1651, the original banner was lost. Later, during the Great Northern War, it ended up in Sweden as a war trophy and has been kept there ever since.
"We highly value Sweden’s support. We thank the Swedish Army Museum and Swedish craftsmen for creating an authentic replica of this unique artifact," the ministry concluded.
At the end of April, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the launch of work on creating a Pantheon of Outstanding Ukrainians — a place to honor national heroes and key figures of Ukrainian history.
According to the head of state, the project is intended to become part of a new policy of memory and preservation of Ukraine’s heritage.
