Russian and Swedish leaders agree to intensify sanctions against Moscow
In a significant development, the President of the European Council, António Costa, met with the Prime Minister of Sweden, Ulf Kristersson, in Sweden as part of his tour of EU countries. The discussions focused on the ongoing Russian threat to European security and the need for increased cooperation in internal security, defense, and competitiveness.
Ulf Kristersson, who took office as the Prime Minister of Sweden in October 2022, argued for the implementation of new sanctions, including the 19th EU package, to deeply impact the Russian war economy. His stance was echoed by Costa, who emphasized that the Russian threat does not only affect Finland but all European countries.
The discussions came in the wake of a large-scale Russian aerial attack on Ukrainian territory, which targeted the government's headquarters in Kiev, resulting in five deaths and dozens of injuries. Both leaders condemned this attack, with Kristersson stating on a social network that Sweden would continue to support Ukraine and increase pressure on Russia.
Costa, in a poignant comment on the same social network, stated that "talking about peace while intensifying bombings and attacking government buildings and homes" is not genuine peace. He also defended the need to reinforce Ukraine's defenses and increase pressure on Russia through additional sanctions, in close coordination with allies and partners.
Finland, due to its geography and history, is very aware of the Russian threat, as mentioned by Costa. He defined Finland as a "frontline" nation in Europe's defense. The number of kilometers of Finland's border with Russia is also 1,300, as Costa pointed out.
The Russian aggression against Ukraine has been ongoing for more than 1,300 days, Costa stated. In light of this, defense should be a priority for the EU, emphasized by both Costa and Kristersson. The EU's defense priority should be based on the Union's solidarity, as stated by the leaders.
Costa and Kristersson also highlighted security and defense as an area that requires a "common effort" from the EU member states. Sweden, consistent in its support of Ukraine and the EU in relation to Russian aggression, has been a defender of this common cause.
As the European Union navigates this challenging geopolitical landscape, the discussions between Costa and Kristersson underscore the need for unity and collective action in the face of threats to European security. The leaders' commitment to strengthening the EU's defenses and supporting Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression is a testament to this shared resolve.
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