She describes the inquiry from the USA as a "question battery" to the allies in NATO.
I perceive that this mostly is about sounding out approximately how one thinks in the respective member countries, says Malmer Stenergard.
It's far too early to be able to answer in detail how one could contribute and it entirely depends on how the peace looks.
The important thing for Sweden is, according to the Foreign Minister, to convey that we want to support Ukraine in the best way.
"In our interest"
Both Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) and the Foreign Minister opened up for the possibility of Swedish peacekeeping forces in Ukraine a few days ago. Malmer Stenergard thinks it's important that Sweden sends a signal that we want to contribute to a peace agreement that Ukraine stands behind.
Then it lies in our interest to ensure that there are such security guarantees, so that Russia cannot commit a new aggression, says Malmer Stenergard.
The idea is that troops from different countries will be in Ukraine to deter Russia from breaking a potential peace agreement.
The Social Democrats' foreign policy spokesperson Morgan Johansson thinks that the question of Swedish troop contribution is raised too early.
I think it's far too early to take a stance on that issue, he says.
What mandate?
Morgan Johansson emphasizes that a Swedish effort must be based on there being a peace agreement with peacekeeping forces. He also points out that Sweden traditionally enters with such forces only when there is a UN mandate for it.
If one is to do such a thing, then there must be a peace agreement that is long-term and stable.
Aron Emilsson (SD), chairman of the Riksdag's Foreign Affairs Committee, does not rule out Swedish peacekeeping troops in Ukraine. He wants to know, however, if it's so that Sweden and Europe are to stand for the security guarantees.
Then we need to know something about the mandate, says Emilsson.
Neither does the Left Party rule out a Swedish effort.
We agree with what the government says – we don't rule it out – but we need to follow the development, says Hanna Gunnarsson, the party's defense policy spokesperson.
