Swedish political parties are open to deploying troops for a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine, including potential naval and aerial support. While the situation remains uncertain, the government and opposition parties express cautious support, emphasizing the need for a credible international effort. The decision hinges on Ukraine's consent and a sustainable peace agreement.
Swedish Parties Consider Sending Troops for Peacekeeping in Ukraine
Swedish Parties Consider Sending Troops for Peacekeeping in Ukraine
Swedish political parties are open to the idea of sending troops to participate in a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine. They are also considering the involvement of naval forces or aerial surveillance.
The issue is still in its early stages, and much remains unclear, as several parliamentary parties are keen to point out.
Nevertheless, they are not opposed to a potential Swedish contribution to a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine—provided that a peace agreement acceptable to Ukraine is reached and Ukraine consents to such a mission.
"We have no principled objection to it; we exclude nothing," says Peter Hultqvist, the Social Democrats' defense policy spokesperson, regarding Sweden's potential contribution of soldiers to a peacekeeping mission.
Willing to Participate
The government has indicated that Sweden wants to contribute in some way to a potential peacekeeping force in Ukraine.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has mentioned naval forces or aerial surveillance. Defense Minister Pål Jonsson has not ruled out the participation of Swedish soldiers when asked directly.
Generally, sending an armed force abroad requires parliamentary approval.
Now, the government is backed by all parliamentary parties.
"The Sweden Democrats currently exclude nothing. However, it must be clear under what conditions and forms a potential mission would occur," writes the Sweden Democrats in a statement.
The Left Party's Håkan Svenneling does not want to commit before a concrete proposal is on the table.
"But as a direction, this is something we are cautiously positive about," he says.
Recognizing Several Risks
The Center Party's Kerstin Lundgren describes Russia as very risk-prone, emphasizing the importance of a credible mission with other countries, including the USA.
"Participation in such a mission should be on a voluntary basis. We have a strong defense will in Sweden and much to contribute, with good routines and experience from previous international missions," she says.
The Green Party's defense policy spokesperson Emma Berginger also does not rule out Swedish participation.
"Something is needed to deter Russia from continuing its aggression," she says.
The mandate under which a force would operate is difficult to determine at this stage. Russia would likely react negatively to a NATO mission, several point out, and therefore discussions should continue about a possible UN mandate and in the format of a "Coalition of the Willing," led by France and the UK.
At the same time, several risks are highlighted with sending foreign personnel. If Russia breaks the peace, the conflict risks escalating and spreading beyond Ukrainian territory.