Sweden has confirmed it may send troops to Ukraine as part of a future peacekeeping operation, should a peace agreement be reached in the war against Russia.
Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson made the announcement on February 17, as reported by Reuters.
"Quite Possible" Sweden Will Be Involved
Speaking to news reporters, Kristersson stated that Sweden would take part in discussions about a potential peacekeeping force. But he also noted that progress in peace negotiations would need to come first.
"We will participate in these discussions, and of course, it is quite possible," he said. "A clear mandate for these forces is needed, and I don't think we will see one until we move further in the negotiations. But Sweden is usually involved in strengthening security in our part of the world, so I foresee that we will be part of the process this time as well."
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Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard echoed Kristersson’s stance, stating that Sweden would focus first on establishing a just and lasting peace that respects international law.
"When we establish such peace, we must ensure its preservation, then our government will not rule out anything," she said.
Sweden’s statements follow an announcement by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who confirmed that Britain is prepared to deploy peacekeepers in Ukraine to ensure that any peace agreement is upheld.
Starmer admitted that sending British troops into such a mission was "a very difficult decision", but emphasized that the UK would continue to support Ukraine and seek a just and lasting peace.
"The UK stands ready to play a leading role in accelerating work on security guarantees for Ukraine," Starmer said. "This includes continued support for the Ukrainian armed forces—the UK has already committed to providing £3 billion a year until at least 2030."
He also suggested that Britain could act as a bridge between the United States and Europe in negotiating Ukraine’s future security.
