Sweden demonstrates support for Ukraine amid Russia’s aggressive policy

Stockholm demonstrates support for Ukraine amid the aggravation of the military and strategic situation on the eastern and southern borders due to the aggressive policy of the Russian Federation.

Minister of Defense of Ukraine Andrii Taran said this during a phone call with Minister of Defense of the Kingdom of Sweden Peter Hultqvist, which took place at the initiative of the Swedish side, Ukrinform reports with reference to the press service of the Ministry of Defense.

“This call is a demonstration of Stockholm's support for Ukraine in the face of aggravation of the military and strategic situation on our eastern and southern borders due to the aggressive policy of the Russian Federation. Taking into account Sweden's Chair of the OSCE this year, we note the importance of continuing political and diplomatic support for Ukraine, which adheres to the position on a peaceful settlement of the conflict," Taran said.

He informed his Swedish counterpart in detail about the security situation around the state border of Ukraine and in the temporarily occupied territories, and also outlined his vision of possible options for its further escalation.

In turn, Hultqvist reaffirmed Sweden's intentions to continue providing all-round support to Ukraine and contribute to the settlement of the conflict through political and diplomatic means.

The parties agreed to continue joint work to develop bilateral military-political dialogue.

Taran confirmed the invitation to his Swedish colleague to take part in the events marking the 30th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence.

As reported, on April 22, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu ordered the General Staff of the Russian Federation and commanders to withdraw troops, which have recently been moved to Ukraine's borders, to their permanent bases by May 1.

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