I don't think it's Europe that has a lot to prove right now. Now we want a message from the US side that they clearly stand on Ukraine's side. It's better if we do this together with the US, he says to Swedish journalists after the top meeting in Paris.
He describes today's meeting as "very good", but without any dramatic news. On a question about security guarantees and troops on the ground, Kristersson responds:
Small steps are being taken one by one. When it comes to troops on the ground, it's a question that requires many other assurances to be possible, but it's being prepared and it's good.
Excelark
Kristersson emphasizes that the top meeting looks at both the long and short term. When it comes to here and now, he wants to see clarity.
Everyone must now specify and price exactly what they intend to give to Ukraine, exactly when and exactly how, so that the short term becomes much clearer. Literally into the Excel spreadsheet.
What's on Sweden's lines in the Excel spreadsheet?
We've recently done quite big things, both on the civilian side – 1.4 billion – and on the military side, so we're constantly discussing with Ukraine what you exactly need right now.
Sometimes we have our own things to give, sometimes we can buy things in a good way. We're the sixth largest donor in the world from a Swedish perspective. Both in absolute numbers and in relative numbers.
"Vassal State"
Kristersson also took the opportunity to give a clear message to Russia, which has expressed itself negatively towards the idea of European peacekeeping forces in Ukraine.
Russia does not dictate what Ukraine has on Ukrainian soil. It's Ukraine that decides. We will never accept that it's Russia that dictates, that they want a vassal state, that they want a demilitarized Ukraine – it's a completely unacceptable solution.
It only means that they will come back, invade once again and then move on to other countries.
"Long-term Help"
On a question about how urgent it is to have a concrete action plan in the near future, Kristersson responds:
The most urgent thing now is to strengthen Ukraine in the coming weeks or months before we have finished peace negotiations in place, if that happens, it depends on Russia. Less urgent but still important is to have a plan for long-term help to Ukraine as well.
