This visit to the island, which is independent of communist China, underscored the importance of international support for Ukraine amid ongoing aggression from Russia.

During the ceremony, Hopko conveyed the Ukrainian society’s gratitude to Taiwan’s leadership for supporting and believing in Ukraine’s victory.

The event was attended by high-ranking Taiwanese officials, including the vice president, the national security council secretary, and representatives from the ministries of defence and foreign affairs. Delegations from the UK, Sweden, South Korea, Lithuania, Slovakia, and Brussels, along with Members of the European Parliament, were also present.

In his address to the Ukrainian delegation, President Lai Ching-te expressed his appreciation for the warm words and assured that Taiwan supports the people of Ukraine during these challenging times.

Hopko highlighted the historical significance of the visit, comparing it to events in 1955 when Yaroslav Stetsko, head of the Anti-Bolshevik Bloc of Nations, travelled the world seeking support to fight communism. At that time, Stetsko visited Taiwan, which then housed the leadership of the Republic of China under Chiang Kai-shek. A year later, his work “Taiwan – Island of Freedom and Hope” was published by a Ukrainian publishing house in Munich.

“Today, we see Taiwan supporting Ukraine in its fight for freedom and sovereignty. This again underscores the importance of international solidarity and cooperation,”

said Hopko.

Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Taiwan has taken a clear stance on Ukraine: condemning Russian aggression, applying economic measures, implementing sanctions against Russia and Belarus, and providing financial assistance, including for the reconstruction of civilian infrastructure.

This visit is a significant step in strengthening international ties and exploring new opportunities for cooperation.

As a co-founder of the ICUV – International Centre for Ukrainian Victory and the ANTS Network for National Interests Protection chair, Hanna Hopko first visited Taiwan in October 2013 to participate in the 11th Assembly of the World Movement for Democracy. The assembly brought together over 200 representatives from more than 70 countries to promote democratic values and share ideas on combating authoritarian regimes.

At that time, Taiwan provided a new financial aid package for Ukraine, and discussions included potential future democratic reforms and shared experiences in resisting authoritarian regimes.