In POLITICO Interview, Sweden’s PM Signals Ukraine First as Trust in Trump Frays
Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson offers a sober view of Europe’s relationship with Washington: cooperation remains necessary, but trust has been damaged. In an interview with POLITICO, he avoids personal judgments about Donald Trump, yet makes clear that recent U.S. pressure on allies—especially during the Greenland dispute—left a mark across Europe.
Kristersson says European governments chose to stand firm for sovereignty and democratic integrity, and that this mattered. But he also acknowledges the political cost of the confrontation: confidence in the transatlantic relationship has weakened, even if it is not beyond repair. For him, the issue is bigger than one diplomatic clash. It reflects a deeper shift in U.S. policy style and priorities, including aggressive trade tactics, tariff pressure, and a more transactional approach to alliances.
Against that backdrop, he warns that outside political intervention in European elections is unacceptable. Democracies can tolerate criticism from abroad, he argues, but they should not accept active attempts by foreign governments to shape domestic outcomes. Sweden, heading into elections, is monitoring risks of illegitimate interference and drawing a sharp line between lawful public commentary and covert influence operations.
Still, Kristersson rejects the idea that Europe’s answer should be to sideline NATO. He insists the alliance remains the foundation of European security, including for Sweden as its newest member. In his view, Europe should strengthen its own defense capacity inside NATO rather than build parallel structures that risk competition, fragmentation, or mixed signals to adversaries. A stronger European pillar, he argues, is the best way to keep the U.S. committed.
Where he is most urgent is Ukraine. Kristersson’s position is that support cannot be delayed: more weapons, more financing, and clearer political backing are needed now. Peace efforts are not dismissed, but he is explicit that negotiations only become meaningful if Ukraine enters them with strength and if Russia shows real willingness to accept fair terms—something he says is not yet visible.
That is why he treats many discussions about future guarantees as premature unless current battlefield realities are addressed first. For him, credible diplomacy depends on credible support. The strategic logic is straightforward: help Ukraine hold the line today so any eventual settlement is negotiated, not imposed.
He also links Ukraine’s future to Europe’s own: accession should keep moving, and internal EU obstruction carries security consequences. The broader message is pragmatic rather than ideological—Europe should keep the U.S. close, stop assuming U.S. constancy, invest in its own capacity, and act with urgency on Ukraine.
Overall, Kristersson’s line is neither a break with Washington nor passive dependence. It is a recalibration: defend democratic sovereignty, reinforce NATO through stronger European responsibility, and treat support for Ukraine as the central test of Europe’s strategic seriousness. READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE.