Sweden believes Europe must prepare for long-term isolation of Russia

European Union countries must prepare for the long-term isolation of Russia even after the war in Ukraine ends, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has said.

"We have never had greater control over the Baltic Sea. And this, of course, irritates Russia. It is our sea. I am firmly convinced that Sweden, Estonia and other European Union countries must prepare for the long-term isolation of Russia. Everything will not end with this war," Kristersson said, as quoted by ERR, Estonian public broadcaster.

According to Kristersson, Europe must strengthen its competitiveness, as this forms the basis of prosperity and security, as well as of support for Ukraine.

He also added that Sweden is not naive about Russia and emphasised the need to strengthen deterrence and limit the actions of the Russian submarine fleet in the Baltic Sea.

Estonian President Alar Karis believes that Europe must treat Russian aggression as "another kind of war" and be prepared for new forms of hybrid threats.

Meanwhile, the prime ministers of Norway and Finland have recognised Russia as the number one threat to the security of the Nordic states but stressed their readiness to counter it.