Swedish FM: Russia is a real threat, we must deter them in every possible way

Sweden's Foreign Minister Maria Malmström Stenergård said that Russia poses a real threat that needs to be contained.

The Swedish Foreign Minister was commenting on Russian President Vladimir Putin's statement from yesterday about his readiness for war with Europe.

"We know – and especially those of us who live near Russia – that they pose a real threat. That's why we need to deter them in every possible way," Malmström Stenergård said, according to European Pravda.

The minister said that this has led her to conclude "that we need to increase our own investments in the military sphere."

"That's why today's meeting is important for discussing individual contributions within the goals we set in The Hague this summer," Maria Malmström Stenergård added.

Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin claimed on 2 December that he is ready to start a war with Europe "right now."

Lithuania's Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys said that Russia's negotiating position with the US is unacceptable and will only increase dangers in the region.

Norway's Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide also emphasized that the Alliance "will not accept a new Yalta" as the result of an agreement with Russia.