Sweden remains resolute in its support for Ukraine, despite growing threats from Russia. Defence Minister Pal Jonson made it clear on Friday that Sweden will not be deterred by Russia’s recent provocations, following President Vladimir Putin’s warning about potential strikes on Western countries supplying arms to Ukraine.
Jonson’s comments came alongside the announcement of significant new funding for Ukraine, aimed at bolstering its defenses with long-range missiles and drones. Speaking at a press conference in Stockholm with his Ukrainian counterpart, Rustem Umerov, Jonson emphasized Sweden’s commitment to Ukraine’s security.
“The recent escalation by Russia is an attempt to intimidate us into halting our support for Ukraine,” Jonson said. “This will not succeed. We are committed to standing by Ukraine, because supporting them is not only the right thing to do but also a strategic investment in our own security. Ukraine’s safety is our safety.”
Jonson reaffirmed Ukraine’s right to defend itself under international law, both within its borders and beyond, and expressed Sweden’s willingness to help Ukraine enhance its military capabilities, including the production of long-range missiles and strike drones.
Putin’s recent remarks about the conflict in Ukraine taking on a “global” dimension have added to the already heightened tensions. He criticized Ukraine’s allies for allowing Ukraine to use Western-supplied weapons to strike Russian territory, which marks an intensification of the ongoing war.
“We reserve the right to target military facilities in countries that allow their weapons to be used against us,” Putin stated on Thursday, signaling a further escalation of the conflict.
As the situation continues to evolve, Sweden’s steadfast support for Ukraine and its security goals remain unchanged.
