Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson expresses 'reserved hopefulness' regarding the Alaska summit between Presidents Trump and Putin, highlighting uncertainties and the potential for a Russian rejection. The meeting, focused on Ukraine, underscores the need for an unconditional ceasefire and unity among global leaders. Kristersson notes the alignment of U.S. and European perspectives, while emphasizing the economic vulnerabilities of Russia as leverage for future negotiations.
Kristersson on Alaska Summit: Potential for Russian Rejection
Kristersson on Alaska Summit: Potential for Russian Rejection
'Reserved hopefulness.' This is how Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) summarizes his view on the Alaska meeting between Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin regarding Ukraine.
- It could end with Russia saying no, he says in an interview with TT.
Kristersson emphasizes that Friday's Alaska meeting is surrounded by 'enormous uncertainties.'
- What makes many pessimistic is that there is nothing to suggest that Putin and Russia have changed their stance on the war, he says.
The Prime Minister's comments come less than a day after he participated in a digital meeting with the so-called 'Coalition of the willing' of countries supporting Ukraine. It was held directly in connection with a digital summit between Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, European leaders, and U.S. President Donald Trump ahead of the Alaska summit.
'Gaining Ground' in the U.S.
At the meeting, it was emphasized that only Ukraine can negotiate for Ukraine and that an immediate unconditional ceasefire must be the basis for a peace agreement. Kristersson was positive after the meeting, mainly due to the unity among the leaders and his perception that JD Vance's message, who also participated, was 'very close' to Europe's. He says that Zelensky is also aware that this could be 'a formative week.'
- I still get a sense that what we have said in the 'Coalition of the willing' for a long time has now gained ground in the American administration.
However, how the coalition can contribute with security guarantees in the event of a future peace agreement was not discussed, according to the Prime Minister. Nor were the 'territorial exchanges' that Donald Trump hinted at.
- More the fact that no such land concessions should be discussed.
More Sanctions?
If Russia is not willing to meet Europe and the U.S. halfway, further sanctions are available, according to Kristersson.
-
We know that the absolute biggest weakness they (Moscow) have is that the Russian economy is now tied to oil, the shadow fleet, and military expenditures.
-
The absolute biggest risk they take is that the world will strangle the Russian economy. That's where we need to get if they don't take significant steps forward at the meeting.