In the Foreign Policy Debate today in the Swedish Parliament Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Stenergard opened by forcefully declaring:
- Sweden is in the midst of long term confrontation with Russia.
- Support to Ukraine is the Government's top foreign policy priority.
- Our task is inescapable.
- Sweden never stands alone.
- We will constrain Russias ability to do us harm, particularly through our support to Ukraine.
- We are guided by our belief in a free and strong Ukraine.
- Sweden has increased its support to Ukraine each year of the war, totalling 70 billion SEK.
- Russia's goal is to impose a sphere of influence with series of vassals and satellites.
- The war is determined on the battle field.
- For Sweden support to Ukraine is a moral obligation and an indispensable investment in our own security.
- Swedish land forces are now part of Nato's forward forces in Latvia.
- It is up to Ukraine if and when negations will start.
- Our unequivocal support....to make Ukraine's position stronger.
- Pressure on Russia's war economy must increase.
- Our military support to Ukraine must be strengthened... now its 18th military support package the largest to date.
- The only sustainable peace is one that Ukraine achieves through strength.
- Negotiations from a position of weakness would only further Russian aggression.
- Sweden will continue military support to Ukraine as long as it takes.