The Eukrainian
Viktor Nordenskiöld / Sweden, France, Ukraine & Belgium / 2025 / World Premiere / 90 min
Working in the corridors of power with Ukraine's young Minister for the EU and NATO in a film about ideals, diplomacy and international grand politics.
Olha Stefanishyna is a woman with high ideals and the courage to fight for them – even when they are literally under attack. Her pro-European will was awakened during the Maidan protests, and when nine years later – now as Deputy Prime Minister with the responsibility for Ukraine’s campaign for EU membership – she receives the call that Russia has invaded the country in 2022, she sends her children to safety and boards a train to help President Zelenskyj lead the country through war – and into the EU and NATO.
With full access to Stefanishyna, Swedish documentarian Viktor Nordenskiöld is by her side in the dramatic years that followed. ‘The Eukrainian’ is a journey into a labyrinth of EU politics, diplomacy and ideological minefields.
While Ukrainian forces bravely struggle to hold off Russian invaders, Olha races against time to meet the EU’s strict criteria. She confronts corruption and judicial reform, but also internal opposition from Hungary and an unpredictable US. Meanwhile, the rest of Europe holds its breath.