Sweden has contributed both weapons and protective equipment to Ukraine after Russia’s invasion. But more and more European countries are warning that they cannot continue donating from their own reserves in the long term.
Several experts believe that a prolonged war means that Europe must help Ukraine build its own defense industry.
Countries such as Great Britain, Denmark and Poland have started a fund with that purpose, but Sweden is still outside.
– This was up during our government period and we gave positive signals, but we were not in a position to make any decisions because we were an expeditionary minister, says former defense minister Peter Hultqvist (S), who is putting pressure on his successor in the post, Pål Jonson (M ).
– We will return to this issue before the end of the year. But it is my firm opinion that we must develop long-term and sustainable support for Ukraine, says Jonson.
President Zelenskyi has repeatedly thanked the countries that provided the country with defense equipment. But he also stresses that Ukraine must build for the future and therefore needs its own defense industry.
Peter Hultqvist finds it difficult to hide his irritation when he hears Pål Jonson’s answer that the current government will “get back to you shortly” about a possible support fund for Ukraine.
– But then do it…, says Hultqvist.