Since the beginning of russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, many countries have demonstrated solidarity with our state, providing various forms of assistance—from humanitarian to military. Alongside governmental support, thousands of volunteers from around the world have stood side-by-side with Ukrainians to defend the freedom of Ukraine and the democratic world.
The stories of two Swedish citizens—Carolina Nordengrip and Christopher Forsbäck—are a vivid example of courage, a sense of justice, and incredible willpower. Despite successful lives in their home country, they decided to leave everything and join the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU).
At the meeting in the Museum, Carolina and Christopher shared what exactly motivated them to take this step, spoke about their combat experience, and discussed their current lives.
At the time of russia’s full-scale invasion, Carolina Nordengrip was a member of the Swedish Parliament with 15 years of political experience behind her. “When I heard about the war, I looked at myself, at my suit, and asked myself: ’What am I doing here? I have military service experience, I can be much more useful in Ukraine,’” Ms. Carolina recalled. After making this important decision, she contacted the Embassy of Ukraine in Sweden and subsequently joined the 47th Mechanized Brigade “Magura” of the AFU, where she became a military instructor.
Christopher Forsbäck was impressed by how bravely Ukraine was fighting and holding up against such a powerful adversary. At the time, he was working in forestry, having previously served 22 years in the military, so the decision to go to Ukraine was an easy one. He became a serviceman in the 47th Mechanized Brigade “Magura” participating in combat operations against the russian invaders, demining, and training Ukrainian servicemen.
Subsequently, Christopher and Carolina participated in battles in the Zaporizhzhia direction during the AFU’s spring Ukrainian counteroffensive in 2023. While heading out to demine russian trenches, Christopher came under enemy fire and suffered a bullet wound to the arm. During his evacuation, he was hit by tank shelling and sustained multiple shrapnel wounds to his head and his other arm. After treatment in Ukraine and Sweden, he returned to the military and participated in battles near Pokrovsk and in the Kursk region.
Christopher’s contract with the AFU expired in September 2024, but he continues to work for the benefit of Ukraine.
After leaving the military, Carolina works for a foundation that deals with the development of democratic initiatives, anti-corruption programs, and public activism; she travels to Ukraine almost every month. “We are not in the AFU right now, but we will never abandon Ukraine,” the volunteers emphasized.
Carolina and Christopher donated artifacts to the War Museum’s collection—personal belongings, insignia, uniform elements, objects, and a flag from the village of Gammalsvenskby (Staroshvedske) in the Kherson region. This is an 18th-century Swedish settlement in Ukraine, which, as it turned out, is the native village of Carolina Nordengrip’s grandmother. For Carolina, it was particularly painful to see the consequences of the russian occupation on her grandmother’s native village.
The Director General of the War Museum sincerely thanked the heroes of the event for supporting Ukraine. “Your feat is more than heroism, as nothing obligated you to stand up in defense of Ukraine, except your own sense of justice and the desire to protect democracy even far from home. For Ukrainians, this is incredibly valuable and instills in us a sense of boundless gratitude and respect,” the head of the Museum summarized.
