The 2024 NATO Summit is currently underway in Washington, with leaders from all 32 partner states in attendance, with assistance for Ukraine among the major subjects being discussed.
Tobias Billstrom, Swedish Minister of Foreign Affairs, spoke with VOA’s Ukrainian Service on the potential of Ukraine joining NATO as well as Sweden’s ties with the country. The interview was modified for length and clarity.
VOA: Thank you very much for speaking with us. What was Sweden’s reaction to Russia’s Monday attack on civilian targets in Ukraine, which included a children’s hospital?
Swedish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tobias Billstrom:
Of course, this must be criticized, and the Swedish government has done so. However, this is just what we can anticipate from Putin and Russia. This is the type of method they used in Syria when they deliberately bombed civilian sites, and it is the same way they have acted throughout Russia’s war against Ukraine.
However, targeting a children’s hospital must be denounced in the strongest terms by the rest of the world.
VOA: It happened shortly before the NATO summit. Do you think Putin is sending a signal, and if so, what is it?
Billstrom: You never know with Russia. I believe what we see is a demonstration of strength from his side. The way he believes and the way the Russian mentality works is that there are no civilian installations, so you are free to target everything that gets in your way.
This is exactly why we must resist the Russian mindset. This is precisely why we must offer as much military help to Ukraine as possible, including air defense, to ensure that Ukraine can protect and defend itself against these heinous Russian attacks. This is the policy of the Swedish government.
VOA: Do you believe this attack altered the summit’s agenda, negotiations, or possible conclusion in terms of Ukraine?
Billstrom: I believe it changes the argument because it once again demonstrates how critical it is for all of us to fully support Ukraine militarily.
And this is why Sweden appreciates the choices that [we] will be discussing at the summit, so that we can become more coordinated in our reaction by ensuring that NATO plays a more prominent role in the coordination of support… This has been well addressed, as you are aware, and it is critical because NATO has a greater chance of providing coordination than the more, shall we say, haphazard display that we have seen thus far during Russia’s campaign against Ukraine.
VOA: Ukraine has long sought membership in NATO, and the US administration is now discussing a well-lit path to the organization.
What is Sweden’s view on Ukraine joining NATO?
Billstrom: Well, Sweden strongly supports the decisions established at the most recent Summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, in 2023, which said that Ukraine should have a road to NATO membership.
This is, of course, something that can happen if Ukraine meets the requirements because, after all, this is a merit-based process, but for Sweden, it’s clear that this would be a road, an irreversible path for Ukraine toward membership.
VOA: And you’re the newest NATO member. Obviously, the scenario differs significantly from that of Ukraine, but what lessons may be drawn?
Billstrom: Well, I believe there are three lessons. One is that we must constantly be patient with these procedures, which I understand is more challenging. I say this without sarcasm about Ukraine and Sweden. But, in the end, the summit’s message concerning Ukraine’s potential membership in NATO is significant.
Second, we must ensure that the NATO and EU processes are inextricably connected.
The changes that Ukraine is currently implementing in terms of law, constitution, anti-corruption efforts, and so on are part of both an EU and a NATO admission. So everything that happens inside those two processes reinforces one another.
Third, and most importantly, joining NATO will provide Ukraine with the most experienced army and maybe the best-equipped military forces on the European continent as a result of the conflict.
Again, I say this without irony or sarcasm, but I believe Ukraine will be able to meet the military standards for NATO membership when the time comes.
VOA: However, some argue that Ukraine’s participation in NATO may or may not be part of the discussions with Russia. Can it be used as a negotiating chip?
Billstrom: As I have already stated, it is up to Ukraine to decide whether the moment is right to begin any discussions. President Zelenskyy has already offered his peace plan. It is the only credible, or should I say logical, peace proposal on the table, and Sweden completely supports this peaceful formula, but whether it should be tied to any type of engagement with Ukraine is up to them. This is not for Sweden to determine.
VOA: Sweden supplied significant military assistance to Ukraine. One of the topics mentioned was Griffin fighter planes. Sweden had prepared to deliver them but suddenly discontinued the supply. What happened, and could you offer any context on the Griffin situation?
Billstrom: We must recognize that Ukraine has been granted the possibility to receive F-16 air fighters, which are, of course, more abundant within the NATO family; after all, more nations have F-16s and would have Gripen air fighters. It is not related to the Swedish government’s decision. This decision was made because Ukraine concluded that bringing on board two air fighter systems at the same time, the F-16 and the Gripens, would be too much.
After all, we are discussing systems. It’s not merely a matter of obtaining planes and training pilots. These are complex systems, and implementing two of them at the same time was too much, but that does not mean Sweden will not continue with Gripens air fighters after the 16 programs are completed.
Because we were unable to proceed with the Gripens air fighters due to the arrival of the F-16, we decided to provide Ukraine with other capabilities that Sweden possesses, and we have given Ukraine ASC 890 surveillance systems, implying that we will provide Ukraine with something that it can use in collaboration with the F-16 air fighters. It will allow Ukraine to perform better in terms of air fighting and surveillance, as well as battle leading in the air, which would be extremely beneficial to Ukraine.
