Sweden May Increase Presence in Ukraine, Minister Says
Sweden’s Defense Minister, Pal Jonson, says the country is open to increasing its physical presence in Ukraine. In an interview with the Kyiv Independent, he said that Sweden does not rule out the possibility of deploying peacekeepers or conducting military training inside Ukraine.
Sweden already has a small presence in Ukraine through its defense procurement agency, which works with the Ukrainian government to purchase military equipment. The minister noted that Sweden’s military support for Ukraine has been significant, with around $4.4 billion provided since the start of the full-scale invasion.
Jonson emphasized the need to strengthen Ukraine’s defenses against Russian aggression and called for urgent measures to secure peace in Ukraine by 2025. He described the situation as “absolutely dire” and said that the stakes are high not just for the Ukrainian people, but also for the rest of Europe.
The EU is not expecting a ceasefire deal between Ukraine and Russia anytime soon. A senior EU official told the Kyiv Independent that negotiations are unlikely in the near future.
Ukraine’s allies have increased economic and military support to strengthen Kyiv’s hand before potential peace talks. Andriy Yermak, head of the Presidential Office, said that real negotiations for a lasting peace will only begin when Russia no longer has the resources to continue the war.
The situation on the ground is critical, with Ukrainian troops almost surrounded in Makarivka and Russian forces continuing their advances. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with 1,580 Russian forces killed just over the past day.
In other news, Ukraine’s allies have taken steps to support Kyiv. Sweden may increase its military presence, and NATO is coordinating Western military aid through a new center.