Ukrainian president, Swedish prime minister discuss strengthening of 'Azov sanctions' package

This was discussed during a telephone conversation between the leaders, the press service of the Ukrainian president reported.

“President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko had a phone conversation with Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Sweden Stefan Löfven. The parties noted the dynamic nature of the bilateral Ukrainian-Swedish dialogue and the active interaction of the parties in the international arena,” the report says.

Poroshenko highly appreciated Sweden's unwavering position in support of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and expressed gratitude for the practical assistance of the Swedish side in overcoming the consequences of the Russian aggression and the implementation of the reform policy in Ukraine.

The president expressed hope for the further strengthening of the EU sanctions policy against Russia, including the so-called Azov package.

Poroshenko also emphasized the importance of intensifying efforts aimed at the immediate release of Ukrainian hostages, including Ukrainian sailors, from Russian prisons.

Particular attention was paid to the implementation of proposals for the deployment of a UN peacekeeping mission in the occupied Donbas with the active participation of Sweden.

The interlocutors agreed to consolidate positive trends in bilateral trade and investment cooperation between the two countries.