Sweden on Putin's latest remarks about war with Europe: "We know they pose a real threat"

Sweden, as a state located close to Russia, recognises that Moscow poses a real threat and must be deterred.

Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard commented on the sidelines of a NATO ministerial meeting at Alliance headquarters on Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin's latest remarks about his readiness for war with Europe.

"We know, and especially us who are living close to Russia, that they pose a real threat, and that is why we need to constrain them in every possible way," Stenergard said.

Stenergard said that in this context she has "come to the conclusion that we need to step up on our own military investments".

"This is an important meeting today to discuss the individual deliveries on the goals that we set up in The Hague this summer," she added.

It was reported earlier that on 2 December 2025, Putin said he is ready for war with Europe "at a moment's notice".

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys has said that Russia's position in talks with the United States is unacceptable and will only increase risks in the region.

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide has also stressed that the Alliance "will not accept a new Yalta" as the outcome of any deal with Russia.