Putin is trying to divert the EU's attention away from the pressure on Russia — Sweden's foreign minister
Official Stockholm views the Kremlin’s proposal to involve Gerhard Schröder in the negotiations as a strategic ploy aimed at diverting the West’s attention away from supporting Ukraine.
Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmér Stenergård emphasized that Russia is currently not demonstrating any real willingness to seek a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.
Before the start of the EU Council meeting in Brussels, the head of the Swedish Foreign Ministry called the Russian leader’s initiative completely unrealistic.
According to her, the Kremlin’s main goal is to shift the focus of European partners to secondary issues, rather than discussing new restrictions on the aggressor.
“He’s simply trying to make us focus on the wrong things. It’s very strategic on his part,” Stenergard said.
She added that at this stage, “Putin is not really interested in genuine peace talks yet,” so the only path to peace is to increase pressure.
Sweden advocates for an immediate transition to drafting the 21st package of sanctions against the Russian Federation.
Maria Malmer Stenergard called on the European Commission to include in the new sanctions list a complete ban on the provision of maritime services to Russian vessels, which could significantly undermine the aggressor country’s economy.
“I am very pleased that we have agreed on the 20th sanctions package, but now we need to move forward with the 21st package,” the minister emphasized.
She is confident that only decisive economic measures can change the Kremlin’s calculations and force the Russian leadership to seek genuine ways to end the war.
The Swedish side paid special attention to the issue of financial aid.
Despite agreeing to a large-scale loan of 90 billion euros for Ukraine, Stockholm is warning other EU countries against reducing the volume of direct bilateral support.
“This cannot be an excuse for countries to reduce their bilateral support,” noted the Swedish Foreign Minister.
She insists that pan-European funds should serve as a supplement, not a replacement, for the assistance that each country provides to Kyiv individually.
Ukraine officially remains a key priority in the Swedish government’s foreign policy.
Sweden plans to continue leading the sanctions process to ensure Russia’s reliable isolation on the international stage and bring about a just peace.
Sweden has provided Ukraine with equipment for military airfields
Sweden is launching a massive review of permanent residence permits
