Europe Asia News

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson assessed the Ukrainian peace plan in talks with EU leaders.

In his statement, Kristersson said, “My message is that it is in Sweden’s interest that Russia’s aggression against its neighbouring countries must never pay off.”

He underlined that Russia’s attacks on Ukraine also pose a direct risk to the European Union, adding, “Otherwise, what is happening in Ukraine today may affect one of us in the European Union tomorrow.”

Kristersson noted that democracies constantly work for a lasting and just peace, but reminded that Russia has once again bombed Kharkiv.

Touching on the need to increase pressure on Russia, the Prime Minister said, “EU and US sanctions are harming the Russian economy, but pressure on Russia needs to be stepped up. The next step we should take is to seize frozen Russian assets held in bank accounts in European countries.”

Suggesting that these resources be used to strengthen Ukraine’s defence and to compensate for the damage caused by Russia, Kristersson added: “Do not forget that the war in Ukraine could end today if Russia withdrew its troops and left Ukrainian territory in peace.”