To paraphrase a famous quote British Prime Minister XIX century: The state has no eternal allies and permanent enemies - are eternal only constant interest of the state.
On September 30, 2008 at Ukraine with an official state visit came King Carl XIV Gustaf. The former President of Ukraine Viktor Yushchenko met the Swedish king with the words: "We are united not only the colors of the flag, but a common history ..."

The Ukrainian post following in line with the political leadership of Ukraine of that time on October 1, 2008 has arrived into circulation by edition of 330 thousand copies a postage issue "Ukrainian-Swedish military-political unions of the XVII-XVIII centuries" printed in mini sheet of 8 values and 4 labels. And also by edition of 3 thousand copies was published a art booklet with memorable texts on the internal and external cover parties. The authors of postage issue - Vladimir Taran and brothers Alexander and Sergey Haruks.

The result of military and political agreements between hetman Ukraine and the royal Sweden became not only the Korsun contract in 1657 and Velikobudischansky treatise in 1709, but split in the Ukrainian civil society, which has not been overcome today. And Konotop battle in 1659 and the Northern War 1700-1720, Participation in which the Ukrainian Hetman Ivan Mazepa took turns with one or the other of the warring parties.

The result of the Ukrainian military strategy was the death of the Zaporozhian Sich, the tragedy of the hetman capital Baturin and eventual loss of state sovereignty of Ukraine. As for Sweden, thanks to an alliance with Ukraine, it is not only suffered a humiliating defeat in the Northern War and ceded part of its territory, but lost forever the name of a world power.

After a crushing defeat three hundred years ago the Swedes were able to learn from him the necessary historical lessons. King Carl XIV Gustaf insisted: "We have not lost our ancient traditions and our monarchy. But I always wanted that we managed to preserve through the ages, is closely intertwined with modernity. "
As for the Ukrainians, they also not lost their customs. Civil strife will go on forever. Up until the last survivor Ukrainian. Unfortunately, we again did not understand somewhat, and so have not learned.