Sweden’s Defense Minister Pål Jonson (M) does not rule out sending Swedish soldiers to fight on the front lines in Ukraine. He says this in an interview with Ukrainian media.

Kyiv Independent interviewed the Swedish defense minister as part of a documentary about the Ukrainian military’s medics.

The newspaper’s reporter, Francis Farrell, begins the interview by pointing out that Russia has the “upper hand” in the war and is “capturing more territory almost every month,” and asks about Sweden’s reasoning regarding the situation.

More Swedish funds

Pål Jonson mentions that Sweden has so far sent military aid equivalent to 57 billion Swedish kronor, of which about half was sent in 2024.

“I always say that it is an investment in our security,” he says.

The Swedish defense minister then announces that Sweden plans to increase support next year:

“We are considering sending even more in 2025 than we did in 2024. I expect to be able to provide information at the beginning of next year,” he says.

In the interview, Pål Jonson also states that the situation on the front lines is “tough and demanding” for the Ukrainian soldiers, but at the same time claims that Russia has “extremely high casualty figures” and that it is “unsustainable” for them.

Swedish troops to Ukraine?

When Francis Farrell asks about a possible “physical presence” of EU or NATO troops, and “boots on the ground” to defend the “contact line” on the front lines, the Swedish defense minister is not dismissive of the idea.

“I do not rule out that possibility,” he replies.

Pål Jonson points out that Sweden already has a physical presence in Kiev through the Swedish Defense Materiel Administration, and that he wants to find “consensus” to expand Western powers’ presence in the country.

“If Ukraine is to negotiate, and it is only Ukraine that can decide, it is important to be able to rely on a position of strength. And that means we must be able to send more military aid to Ukraine, and I believe that Europe needs to be prepared to take on a greater share of the responsibility,” he says.

The Swedish defense minister finally emphasizes that not least Scandinavia, the Baltic countries, and France have shown great interest in increased military engagement in the war.

“I think we all should do more,” says Pål Jonson.

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