Since Russia began the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Sweden has contributed approximately SEK 37 billion to the country, the absolute largest part in the form of military support. In the government’s foreign declaration, Foreign Minister Tobias Billström (M) singled out support for Ukraine as the top priority.
– Sweden continues to support Ukraine as long as it is needed, politically, humanitarianly, militarily and economically, Billström said when he presented the foreign declaration earlier this year.
Want to balance support against domestic needs
The Sweden Democrats’ party leader, Jimme Åkesson now says in an interview with Gothenburg Post that he believes that there is an “upper limit” for the support and that it must be balanced against domestic needs.
– It is not serious if the Defense Committee arrives at a sum that we cannot then finance. We will soon run out of our own material if we are to continue sending it to Ukraine. I don’t think it is serious to say that there is no own limit, says Jimmie Åkesson to GP.
He points out that ammunition is expensive and that every week they “blow up billions”, despite that it is difficult to measure up to Russia’s strength. Instead, he wants them, like Denmark, to look at an annual budget for support to Ukraine.
– We are buying time by helping Ukraine militarily. There is a risk that the day there is a ceasefire or a peace settlement or whatever is reached in Ukraine, that Putin will look the other way. So the more we can pump in and take the fight there, the more time we buy here. But it is clear that there is an upper limit, says Jimmie Åkesson.
Pehrson: “Can’t talk about levels”
The statements from Åkesson caused the Liberal party leader and the labor market and integration minister Johan Pehrson to react. At X, Pehrson went out and announced that there is no “upper limit” for solidarity with Ukraine. At the same time, he points out that the Sweden Democrats have supported the government’s policy.
– I note that the Sweden Democrats have stood behind all of the government’s and Sweden’s support packages, says Pehrson.
A stronger Europe is required for a stronger Sweden, according to Perhrson, who believes that it is important that Europe has the strength to stand by Ukraine’s side.
– The price for our freedom is the same as for Ukraine’s freedom. Sweden would never be able to maintain its freedom unless we invest and support Ukraine in their citizens’ struggle for freedom. Then you cannot talk about levels of that support. The price for a Russian win is indescribable in kroner, euro and freedom, says Pehrson.
He says that it is paramount for Sweden’s security that Ukraine wins the war and that all peace settlements will take place on Ukraine’s terms.
– We must refrain from experimenting with or showing weakness or indecisiveness, there is only one winner in that, it is Putin’s murder machine that was then played into the hands, says Pehrson.