In 2025, Sweden plans to send troops to Latvia as part of a Canadian-led force to deter Russia from attacking, despite the fact that the country is not yet a full member of NATO. This was stated by Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson during the National Defense Conference, Dagens Nyheter reports.
Kristersson stressed that he "will not waste time waiting for the final ratification" of the country's membership in NATO, and warned that Russia is "trying to destabilize the whole of Europe" through threats, disinformation and cyberattacks.
The prime minister emphasized that Sweden, the EU, and the United States should continue to support Ukraine. Also, in his opinion, "criticism of America's lack of involvement sounds wrong" if the EU does not defend its continent.
He added that "Sweden has a unique military capability - in the air and underwater; with intelligence capabilities and hardened soldiers."
According to Kristersson, Sweden will contribute to NATO's defense and deterrence and is ready to provide ground combat units to protect the Baltic states.
"Today I can say that the government is committed to Sweden participating with a reduced battalion in the Canadian-led force in Latvia," he added.
According to him, Ukraine has demonstrated that "the most important resource of a country in war is the common will to defend", so, according to him, on January 19, Sweden will once again introduce civic duty.
As a reminder, Sweden is still waiting for Turkey and Hungary to approve its NATO membership application, which it submitted simultaneously with Finland in May 2022. Finland became a NATO member in May 2023.
