Sweden seeks nuclear security guarantees from France and UK
Ulf Kristersson (photo: Getty Images)
Sweden is holding talks with Britain and France on providing the country with nuclear security guarantees in the event of military action in Europe, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said, according to The Telegraph.
"We are now holding ongoing discussions with both France and the United Kingdom. They are not very precise yet, and the French (nuclear weapons - ed.) are uniquely French, but France also shows openness to discussing with other countries," Kristersson said.
Sweden has historically sought to remain neutral on defense issues. However, this changed radically in 2022, when Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine prompted Stockholm to join NATO.
"I say that when we joined Nato, we became fully involved in all discussions, including those in Europe revolving around nuclear weapons. Not so that they should be used, but as long as dangerous countries possess nuclear weapons, sound democracies must also have access to nuclear weapons," the Swedish prime minister added.
He also stressed that the talks are at a very early stage and added that Sweden currently sees no need to deploy nuclear weapons on its territory.
Sweden strengthens its own military
Sweden will allocate $437 million to unmanned systems. The drones will be delivered over the next two years.
The Swedish government is also borrowing $34 billion to accelerate the purchase of new weapons, including air defense systems, submarines, and surface ships.
In addition, Swedish troops previously arrived in Greenland to take part in the international military exercise Operation Arctic Endurance.
