Donald Trump will be sworn in as president of the United States. What does this day mean for Europe's security?
It is crucial not to jump to conclusions. We cannot take for granted that the US will stay the most crucial support Ukraine In the future. But we should besides not jump to conclusions that the United States will reduce or hold back its aid. We should stay calm and let the fresh government start work. However, this does not mean looking passively — on the contrary. It is crucial that we constantly remember why protecting Ukraine is so existentially crucial to Europe and the free world. The triumph of Russia and the creation of a Russian sphere of influence would endanger not only Ukraine, but besides a number of another countries.
Are we prepared for a script where the US contributes little to Europe's safety than before?
It is advanced time that European countries prepare for a situation where they will gotta act more independently. I am a large supporter of transatlantic relations, which have brought much good to both sides. However, the thought that US taxpayers proceed to bear specified a large financial work for the safety of European NATO countries is not realistic in the long term. There are many good reasons why the United States should be more active in the Pacific region. If we want the US to stay active in Europe, we must show that we realize safety concerns in another parts of the planet and are ready to do more. That's our best argument.
So should we increase our defence spending significantly?
Absolutely. I cannot yet give any circumstantial figures, but I am certain that at the next NATO summit in The Hague we will be discussing the request to increase investment in our defence. A two-percent mark is now only a basis, but that is far besides little. I think everyone has already realized that.
Trump announced that he wanted to end the war in Ukraine as shortly as he became President. How optimistic are you that he can do this?
I think the most crucial thing is to accomplish a fair and just peace. This starts with peace negotiations which are held on Ukrainian terms and begin only erstwhile Kiev sees that it is able to do so. It would be a large mistake to force negotiations in Ukraine — or, worse, to negociate without it. The American expression "peace by force" is simply a very accurate phrase. Russia must be brought to a situation where it realises that the situation will deteriorate if it now refuses peace talks.
How can this be achieved?
By expanding support. We've done a lot in fresh months and years. It is 1 of the fewer successes, but that Ukraine so effectively defends itself against a powerful opponent: that we stick together. We are united with a fewer exceptions. But we all have the resources to do more. If we truly believe that the situation is existential — if we do not just say it, but truly believe that the Ukrainians are fighting for us besides — then we cannot uncertainty and hesitate.
More and more people have been discussing ideas lately. European peacekeeping forces in Ukraine. Would Sweden be involved?
At the minute it is hard to say due to the fact that there are inactive besides many question marks. This depends mostly on what the remainder of the peace agreement will look like and how credible the result will be. However, it is hard for me to imagine European peacekeeping forces without US participation.
In fresh months, a series of hybrid attacks have occurred, most likely controlled by Russia. How dangerous is this for Europe?
There is now much debate on whether the word hybrid is appropriate. In a sense, the concept is downplaying the problem. As our abroad minister says, a hybrid car is inactive a car. War starts not only with missiles or soldiers. Attacks on energy systems and communication lines or the spread of misinformation and fear may besides have serious consequences. It became clear that ours Baltic Sea infrastructure She's far more susceptible than we thought.
At a fresh safety conference, I put it this way: Sweden is not at war — but it is not truly at peace as long as this continues. We stay very careful before we charge anyone. But this is not to be misunderstood: just due to the fact that we can't say for certain does not mean that these incidents are not intentional. We have good reason to be suspicious.
Janos Kummer / Getty ImagesUlf Kristersson, November 2024.
Are the measures taken adequate to deter Russia?
That can only be said in retrospect. However, we have taken any steps to show that we have become more vigilant and take the situation seriously. At the NATO gathering in Helsinki, we decided on measures to strengthen our defence in the Baltic Sea and, for example, to track ships that carry out illegal activities or appear suspicious. We have shown: this is our common sea and we are ready to defend it. I believe this message has been received.
During meetings with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tuski You described Poland as a “star” in the field of safety and defence. What is your definition of German defence policy?
I do not want to interfere in the interior affairs of another countries, especially during the election campaign. Germany is simply a very good partner and it will stay so, regardless of who wins the election. Like many others, I appreciate the fact that Germany So much has changed. Especially if we consider German history. But I will always say that large — and tiny — countries can inactive do more. This besides applies to Germany. I don't want to justice or lecture anyone; Sweden itself started in a weak position and drew strong conclusions that we should have woken up early and invested in defence. I'm just saying we should all step up our efforts.
What do you anticipate from the future German government?
That he would proceed to stand by Ukraine and convince the Germans how crucial this is for safety and freedom in Europe. I full realize that this is simply a hard task that requires a complex balance of priorities — we ourselves have made this journey, and we are inactive far from reaching the goal. Of course, the money that is presently spent in the defence of Ukraine cannot be utilized for anything else. But from what we know from history, it's worth paying the price.
