Sweden appeals to “War readiness” in Europe

“We must adopt a new European mentality, move from a peace-time mentality to a war readiness”, Jonson said in Berlin, ahead of a meeting with his German counterpart, Boris Pistorius, the DPA reported.

Russia is arming itself massively and building a deadly “army, making major advances in long-range weapons and electronic warfare, Jonson said at an event at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, Periscope.

He warned that countries of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) should be more co-ordinated in defence.

“Flasim for a variety within the alliance in defence investments,” said Jonson. “This is not good. I don't want to see any fractions in the defence investment”.

After neutrality during the Cold War, Sweden joined NATO last year in response to Ukraine's Russian occupation.

“We view Ukraine as a shield either a shield or a sword, if you want against Russian military enlargement”, he said.

But, now, we are also seeing that the burden of financial support for Ukraine is being maintained by less and less allies within NATO”.

Jonson also urged stronger bilateral co-operation in the field of defence with Germany, arguing that both governments should promote standardisation and long-term contracts.

According to him, Berlin and Stockholm are following a similar path to defence strategy.

Both countries are investing record defence sums after a long period of small investments, while facing the same challenges from war in Ukraine and the Russian threat in the Baltic Sea region. /Radio Europe Free/