Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Botswana

05/09/2026

On 4 September 2026, Ambassador of Ukraine, H.E. Dr. Oleksiy Syvak, delivered remarks at the summit of Southern Africa Youth Peace & Economic Development - saypeds 2026.

Held under the theme “Peace, Policy and Prosperity: Empowering Youth for a Secure and Inclusive Southern Africa,” the summit provided a platform for stakeholders to engage on issues affecting young people and explore strategies to promote peace, inclusive development and youth empowerment across the region.

In his speech, the Ambassador noted the unbreakable human spirit that drives the development and special role of youth on the path of progress.

Ambassador Syvak presented the projects and pilot-programmes that involve Youth Councils of both Ukraine and Botswana and also young professionals who see one another not as competitors for scarce opportunity but as partners in shared destiny.

Speaking about the fight of the people of Ukraine, the Ambassador said: “Four and a half years of war has taught my country one final truth I want to leave with you: peace is never a gift given to people. It is a discipline practiced by people. It requires cross-border solidarity even for nations thousands of kilometers apart. It brings resilience translated directly into economic empowerment”.

03/09/2026

03/09/2026

Ambassador Oleksiy Syvak gave an interview to Mmegi. Check it out to get insights about Ukraine’s history, the Russian war of aggression, the prospects for peace, Ukraine-Africa relations, and the growing diplomatic ties between Ukraine and Botswana.

02/09/2026

The exhibition "Resilience: The Unbreakable Human Spirit" is still open, and we couldn't resist sharing a few more moments from how we spent the opening.

The exhibition runs until 13 September at Thapong Visual Arts Centre, Gaborone.

Come see it, feel it, and come support Botswana's incredible creative community who tell Ukraine's story through their artworks 🇺🇦🇧🇼

Photos are courtesy of The Blueprint Media

01/09/2026

Embassy of Ukraine in Gaborone marked 35 years since the restoration of Ukraine's independence together with the people of Botswana.

Ministers, members of Parliament, diplomats, friends and partners of Ukraine gathered at Thapong Arts Centre for an evening that celebrated history and reminded us of a friendship decades in the making.

In his remarks, Ambassador Dr. Oleksiy Syvak traced the long relationship between our two nations, starting from the presentation of credentials of H.E. Mr. Dmytro Bilokolos (former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Ukrainian Soviet Republic) to President Seretse Khama back in 1970. Ambassador Syvak also reflected on what has been achieved since the Embassy formally opened its doors in 2024: cultural, educational, and academic projects that continue to strengthen this partnership.

Honourable Maipelo Mophuting-Dikoloti, Assistant Minister for State President, Defence and Security, and Acting Minister for International Relations, spoke on behalf of the Government of Botswana:
"As the citizens of Ukraine contemplate thirty-five years of contemporary statehood amidst challenging conditions, I would like to reaffirm Botswana's unwavering support for their efforts towards enduring peace, security, and sustainable development."

The Honourable Minister then raised a toast to His Excellency Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, to the enduring friendship, solidarity, and fruitful cooperation between the Republic of Botswana and Ukraine, and to international peace and security.

Reverend Mpho Moruakgomo offered a prayer for peace in Ukraine, and for our beloved country to be shielded from Russian aggression.

The evening then moved to the heart of the occasion: the official opening of "Resilience: The Unbreakable Human Spirit," with a guided tour led by curator Thabo Kgatlwane and the prominent 10 participating local artists. Guests were able to walk through works created using fragments of drones, exploded missiles, fabric, chornozem (Ukrainian black soil), and seashells — Ukraine's story, told through Batswana hands.

Throughout the evening, guests also generously supported the United24 fundraising campaign, which helps purchase ambulance vehicles for Ukraine and brings us closer to saving lives.

Our heartfelt thanks go to our ten remarkable artists (Wilson Ngoni, Totang Motoloki, Ronald Kegomoditswe, Mboko Basiami, Moitshepi Mokaila, Sente Baitse, Boingotlo Seitshiro, Tsaone Bahiti, Shirin Ettehad and Akanyang Ntshingane) and our curator for their extraordinary vision. To the European Union in Botswana, TSW app, and O3 Beverages for making this evening possible. And to every guest who joined us — thank you for standing with Ukraine.

Glory to Ukraine, Slava Ukraini! 🇺🇦

29/08/2026

At the end of August, sunflowers bloom across Ukraine’s fields. It was twelve years ago, when in August 2014 these fields became the setting of the events of the Ilovaisk tragedy. As Ukrainian soldiers were leaving the encirclement through the “green” corridor, they were attacked by Russian forces.

Since then, the sunflower has become a symbol of remembrance for Ukraine’s fallen defenders. Every year on August 29, we honour all those who gave their lives defending Ukraine throughout more than 12 years of Russia’s brutal aggression.

We remember their faces, their names, their stories. We bow our heads in honour of every man and woman who gave their life for Ukraine.

Eternal memory to the fallen! 🌻🕯️

29/08/2026

We remember and will never forget.

26/08/2026

President of Ukraine, H.E. Mr. Volodymyr Zelenskyy, expressed his gratitude to the President of the Republic of Botswana, H.E. Advocate Duma Gideon Boko, for his warm congratulations on Ukraine’s Independence Day and for Botswana’s steadfast support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, international law and peace.

In his message, President Zelenskyy emphasised that Ukraine highly values Botswana’s solidarity and is ready to deepen bilateral cooperation for the benefit of our peoples.

We deeply appreciate Botswana’s principled position and look forward to further strengthening the friendship and partnership between our two countries. 🇺🇦🇧🇼

https://x.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/2092366220188168623?s=20

25/08/2026

🇺🇦🇧🇼 SAVE THE DATE: Batswana Artists Celebrate Ukraine's Unbreakable Spirit

We are incredibly proud to announce something truly special.

10 exceptional Batswana artists. 1 visionary curator. One shared inspiration: Ukraine.

Every single piece in this exhibition was created because these artists were moved by Ukraine's story and chose, through their own craft and creativity, to celebrate our nation's resilience and courage.

Introducing: "RESILIENCE: THE UNBREAKABLE HUMAN SPIRIT" 🎨

Across visual art, sculpture, photography and fashion design, these artists have poured their talent into work that speaks to what it means to endure, to fight for what you believe in, and to remain unbroken. Curated by Thabo Kgatlwane, hosted in partnership with TSW.

📅 Opening: Tuesday, 1 September 2026
📍 Thapong Visual Arts Centre, Gaborone

The exhibition will be open to the public for two weeks till 13 September. We invite all of you to come and experience these extraordinary works for yourselves.

This is Ukraine's story, told through Botswana's eyes and hands. We couldn't be prouder, and we can't wait to share it with you. 💙💛