The message from the new US administration last week has caused a stir. From President Trump's message about negotiating peace with Ukraine with Russian President Vladimir Putin, to messages from the American defense minister about Ukraine not being allowed to keep its borders and not joining NATO.
How alarming are the signals from the US?
What can be established is that we are getting different messages regarding issues related to Ukraine's NATO membership, whether Europeans should engage or not, and on what terms such negotiations would take place, says Defense Minister Pål Jonson (M).
From the Swedish side, we are now absolutely most focused on sending as strong a support to Ukraine as possible, so they have the opportunity to negotiate from a position of strength.
Less Military Presence
US Vice President JD Vance did not mention Ukraine in his speech at the Munich Security Conference. But in interviews, he has said that Europe "of course" should be involved in all talks about ending the war in Ukraine, and that sanctions and military pressure on Russia to achieve peace are not ruled out.
US Ukraine envoy Keith Kellogg, on the other hand, announces that Europe will not participate in the planned talks, writes The Guardian.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) will meet with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky during the day, he tells SVT.
Earlier in the day, Pål Jonson and Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard (M) spoke with Keith Kellogg.
Emphasizing Dialogue
The Swedish government emphasizes dialogue.
It's good if we can get closer to the positions between Europe and the US. The more similar positions we have, the better prerequisites we have for putting stronger pressure on Russia and achieving peace on Ukraine's terms, says Pål Jonson.
US Defense Minister Pete Hegseth has also warned European NATO members this week not to take American military presence in Europe for granted.
Do you expect the US to withdraw soldiers from Europe?
It cannot be ruled out. The US is now reviewing its military presence in Europe, and then it may happen that they reduce their presence, says Jonson.
Today, there are 80,000-100,000 American soldiers on European soil. Replacing them all is not something that can be done overnight, as Germany's defense minister has stated.
"A Europe of Armies"
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Saturday that he believes the time is ripe for Europe to create a common military force to counter the threat from the Kremlin.
Pål Jonson talks more about "a Europe of armies" than a European army.
But I also interpreted Zelensky as saying that he is pushing for Europe to become more resource-strong and have a stronger military capability. Then it will need to be channeled through NATO and also through increased defense investments.
