Sweden’s Position on the Russian-Ukrainian War

Abstract

The article examines the issues of support for Ukraine by the Kingdom of Sweden in the face of full-scale Russian aggression. Various aspects of Ukraine–Sweden interstate interaction (political, economic, security, humanitarian) during the period of the Ukraine’s struggle against Russian aggression are described in detail. It has been established that strengthening the bilateral partnership is an important long-term foreign policy priority for both countries.

It is noted that the main political and legal document that defines the basic principles of security cooperation between Ukraine and Sweden in organizing comprehensive assistance in the fight against Russian aggression is the Agreement on Security Cooperation between Ukraine and Sweden of May 31, 2024. Besides, shortly before the signing of the Ukrainian-Swedish security agreement, on March 7, 2024, Sweden officially joined NATO and thus became the newest 32^nd member of the Alliance.

It was emphasized that during 2024-2025, Sweden initiated such a new and effective format of assistance to Ukraine in ensuring its security as joint summits of leaders of eight countries of Northern and Baltic Europe (Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden), which helps to unite and coordinate the joint efforts of these countries to organize large-scale assistance in repelling the Russian aggressor.

It is noted that Sweden’s military support commitments provide for the allocation of 6.5 billion euros for weapons and military equipment for Ukraine during 2024-2026. Priority areas of defense cooperation between the countries have been identified as air defense, maritime security, and artillery shells.

Thus, Sweden today appears as the most consistent, uncompromising, and resolute ally of Ukraine in the fight against Russian aggression during the Russo-Ukrainian war – from 2014 to the present. During this time, Sweden has radically changed its attitude towards the Russo-Ukrainian war and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. With over 200 years of experience of permanent neutrality, Sweden changed its military-political status in the most dramatic and cardinal way, becoming a full member of the North Atlantic Alliance and its reliable northern flank in March 2024.