Russia’s Dislike for Sweden’s Support for Ukraine and NATO Membership Cause Serious Threats, Says Prime Minister Kristersson
STOCKHOLM – Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, along with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, addressed concerns regarding Sweden’s support for Ukraine and its imminent NATO membership during a press conference on Tuesday.
Kristersson highlighted that Russia strongly opposes Sweden’s support for Ukraine as well as its NATO membership. He also mentioned the recent incidents of Koran burnings and disinformation campaigns regarding Swedish social services kidnapping Muslim children as factors contributing to the current threats faced by Sweden.
Clarifying the misinformation, Kristersson emphasized that Swedish social services do not kidnap children, and such accusations are baseless lies intended to fuel threats against the country. He expressed concern over the dangerous consequences of spreading false information, citing its recent dissemination during a demonstration over the weekend.
Furthermore, the prime minister denounced the spread of anti-Semitic slogans and threats against the Jewish community in Sweden. He called for increased protection for Jews and stressed that such behavior is utterly illegitimate.
Kristersson expressed satisfaction with Turkey’s president signing the protocol for Sweden’s NATO application, expressing hope that the parliament would approve it soon. He publicly thanked Stoltenberg for his efforts in supporting Sweden’s NATO membership and mentioned Finland’s ongoing process in joining the alliance, which Sweden is closely monitoring.
Stoltenberg acknowledged discussions around Sweden’s accession to NATO during the meeting. He commended Sweden for fulfilling its commitments, making necessary legal changes, and providing updates on plans against terrorism. Stoltenberg expressed his anticipation in welcoming Sweden as a NATO member in the near future. However, he refrained from mentioning a specific date for Sweden’s admission, although he emphasized that the application process has progressed swiftly.
Regarding Hungary’s position, neither Kristersson nor Stoltenberg expressed doubt over its quick approval of Sweden’s NATO membership.
In addition to Sweden’s NATO application, the situation in the Middle East, particularly the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, was also discussed during the meeting. Stoltenberg urged Iran and Hezbollah not to exploit the situation for their own gain.
The press conference concluded with contact information for Sofia Polhammer of the news agency Direkt.
By Sofia Polhammer