Published: Less than 40 minutes ago
Under great secrecy, Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson flew to Kyiv.
In an interview with Aftonbladet, she tells on the spot about her impressions and says that Sweden must continue to send weapons to Ukraine.
– You have a legal right to defend yourself and Ukraine must be able to do that.
Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson calls Aftonbladet by phone on Monday evening. She is in Ukraine but for security reasons does not want to tell where.
A few hours earlier, she had visited Butja and Borodyanka – cities bombed by Russian forces.
– It was important for me to be able to be in Butja and around Kyiv, to see the results of the Russian abuses and to talk to people who have been affected, says Magdalena Andersson.
She adds that it is also symbolically important to be present and thus show President Volodymyr Zelensky’s support.
– We have planned for me to travel to Kyiv for a long time, for security reasons it has previously been canceled. But now it worked both in terms of calendar and security.
Protection of Ukrainian security services
How could you be protected when you were in a war zone?
– Of course I have protection from the Swedish security service and the Ukrainian security service.
When you see this with your own eyes – did you get an intensified feeling of Russia’s brutality?
– That is how it is, of course, it becomes very concrete and clear. I talked to the priest in Butja in the church where you had to have mass graves to bury all the dead. It gives an in-depth dimension to what has happened.
How do you want to summarize the impressions?
– That there is an incredible determination and willingness to fight for their country, despite everything that has happened.
To stop the war, it is necessary that Sweden and the rest of the world continue to help Ukraine with weapons, money and humanitarian aid, Andersson says. In talks with Zelensky, the president specifically demanded money and weapons.
Must continue to support Ukraine
Will Sweden send more weapons?
– We recently decided on a fifth weapons package, but we are of course prepared to continue looking at further deliveries.
Will we send more money?
– It may be relevant again, absolutely. As this drags on, we must continue to support Ukraine.
Were you worried?
– No, I was not, but it is clear that the risk level is higher than if you are in Stockholm.
What do you bring with you from the visit?
– A determination to continue for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. It is crucial that we remain equally determined to support them.