Sweden will not recognize the illegal Russian occupation of any Ukrainian territory, because any concessions to the Kremlin only “encourage the aggressor”.
This was stated by Sweden’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard during the 4th Parliamentary Summit of the Crimea Platform in Stockholm, writes Apostrophe.
According to her, Ukraine’s position on peace is consistent and constructive, while Russia’s position is categorical and aggressive.
“Ukraine is serious about a just and lasting peace. Russia is not. Ukraine proposed a complete and unconditional ceasefire. Russia is not. Ukraine has always been open to negotiations. Russia is not,” Stenergard said.
The Swedish foreign minister stressed that the principle of Ukraine’s sovereignty must be inviolable, and any peace must be based on respect for international law.
“For a just peace, borders cannot be changed by force,” she stressed.
Stenergard also opposed any restrictions that would prevent Ukraine from choosing its own political path, including EU membership, and opposed restrictions on the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which could only contribute to further aggression.
Earlier we wrote that Europe insists that the Kakhovka Dam and the Kinburn Spit be returned to Ukraine in the new counter-plan.