Sweden's Supreme Commander, Michael Claesson, has been awarded the Cross of Special Merit, the highest decoration of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence. During the ceremony, the Supreme Commander became the first Swede to receive the award.
– I receive this award with humility. At the same time, my thoughts go to the suffering of the Ukrainian people, the struggle that is ongoing, and the sacrifices made every day, says Michael Claesson in a press release from the Swedish Armed Forces (Försvarsmakten).
The Swedish Armed Forces state that the award is presented to military personnel and other individuals who have made significant contributions to strengthening the country's defence capability, saving lives, or otherwise played a decisive role in Ukraine's defence.
The citation highlights, among other things, the Supreme Commander's and the Swedish Armed Forces' support for strengthening Ukraine's defence. The award was presented at the Commandant's Staff headquarters in Stockholm (Sweden's capital) by Ukraine's Ambassador Svetlana Zalishchuk, together with the country's defence attaché, Colonel Serhii Harbarenko.
On X, the Ambassador commented on the award:
– Honoured to today present the Ministry of Defence's Cross of Special Merit to Sweden's Supreme Commander, Michael Claesson. A recognition of his leadership and Sweden's unwavering support, she writes.
Earlier in the spring, the Supreme Commander visited his Ukrainian counterpart, Oleksandr Syrskyi. During the visit, the parties discussed the situation along the front line and Swedish support to the country.