Sweden says it won't recognize any part of Ukraine as Russian

“Let me be clear, Sweden will not recognise Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea or any other part of Ukraine’s territory. We will not reward aggression,” Stenergard said.

The foreign minister also stressed that Ukraine has repeatedly signaled its willingness to agree to a complete and unconditional ceasefire and to negotiate a peaceful settlement, but Russia has not done so.

“An agreement that includes those main elements that truly respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and that has the support of its people … will also have our support. But as long as the Russian aggression continues, Sweden has a clear two point plan to strengthen Ukraine and weaken Russia,” she added.

She also stressed that Sweden does not recognize Russia's illegal annexation of Ukrainian territories.

“Since Russia has not changed its position, neither has Sweden nor the EU. Our position remains that to achieve a just and lasting peace, borders cannot be changed by force,” the Swedish foreign minister added.

According to her, there can be no restrictions on the Ukrainian armed forces that would provoke further Russian aggression, and there can be no restrictions on the full sovereign rights of the Ukrainian people to choose their own path, which includes the path to EU membership.

Sweden's assistance to Ukraine

Earlier, it became known that Sweden could help Ukraine pay for the deal to supply 150 Swedish-made JAS-39 Gripen fighter jets. A number of options are being considered to help finance the deal.

The Swedish Foreign Minister previously noted that the Scandinavian countries, despite having a combined population of less than 30 million, are providing about a third of all NATO military aid to Ukraine this year.