The initial meeting between Russia and the USA in Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh has been described as a form of kick-off for further cooperation to achieve "an end to the conflict in Ukraine.
Ulf Kristersson is, however, not as certain that this will become a reality:
— If they even get started, he says about future peace talks between the parties.
Everyone seems to take it for granted that Russia wants peace negotiations. I don't think it's obvious at all.
Many believe that the talks play into Russia's hands?
Also too early to say. The most important thing now is that all of us who stand behind Ukraine do everything we can to make Ukraine as strong as possible when peace talks begin.
One is the hastily summoned top meeting, the other on short notice, where European leaders, including Kristersson, will discuss how to move forward.
Maximize support to Ukraine immediately, that's the most important thing, and to be Ukraine's voice towards the rest of the world, says Kristersson.
Kristersson will participate via link in the meeting in Paris after neither Ukraine nor European representatives were invited to the meeting in Riyadh.
"Nothing new"
Like Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard (M), the Prime Minister does not believe that the security situation in Sweden has deteriorated due to the developments of the past few days.
No, it has been really bad since Russia attacked Ukraine. This is nothing new. Now we just have an extra great uncertainty.
"Ukraine decides"
The Prime Minister does not want to call the talks between Russia and the USA a betrayal of Ukraine, even though he believes that "talks about Ukraine must take place with Ukraine".
Ukraine is capable of expressing its views with us who stand on Ukraine's side. It's not like Ukraine lacks a voice, says he.
During the night, the USA's President Donald Trump has also made several controversial statements – including incorrectly accusing Ukraine of starting the war. Russia has also set as a negotiating requirement for some kind of ceasefire that Ukraine should hold an election, something Trump is also pushing for.
Kristersson believes it is obvious that you cannot hold elections during an ongoing war.
It is Ukraine that decides about Ukrainian elections. Then I think Ukraine, just like all other democracies, wants to have elections as soon as possible. But I trust that Ukraine takes responsibility for it, says Kristersson.
