Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

Today, representatives of the Northern Group – comprising Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden and the United Kingdom - met in Oslo on board the UK aircraft carrier, HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH, and gave the following statement.

The Government is moving ahead on a winter package to Ukraine. The package is the largest to date and includes military and humanitarian support and support for rehabilitation of critical infrastructure.

The Government has decided to prolong border controls at Sweden’s internal borders from 12 November 2022 to 11 May 2023. The decision is based on the Government’s assessment that there is a serious threat to public order and internal security in Sweden. The current decision on internal border controls expires at midnight tonight.

Statement made by the Group of Creditors of Ukraine to express solidarity with and support for Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia’s unjustified, unprovoked and illegal war of aggression. The statement was made in connection with a decision by the creditors to provide a coordinated suspension of debt service due by Ukraine from August 1st, 2022 until end-2023, with the possibility of an additional year.

The Government has decided to provide additional military support to Ukraine. The support consists of materiel requested by Ukraine, including anti-tank weapons, infantry support weapons and mine clearance equipment. In total, this support amounts to a value of approximately SEK 500 million.

Rose Garden, White House, 19 May 2022. Check against delivery.

On 17 May, EU defence ministers met in Brussels to discuss how to implement the EU’s Strategic Compass. Russia’s aggression against Ukraine was also on the agenda. State Secretary Jan-Olof Lind represented Sweden at the meeting.

The Government has adopted a bill proposing legislative amendments to quickly streamline Sweden’s ability to receive military support. The aim is to enable quicker decisions on receiving operational military support in the form of military forces from states that are members of the EU or NATO.

The Government has decided that the group of people who are entitled to a residence permit with temporary protection in Sweden will be expanded to include those who left Ukraine prior to the invasion. This applies to those who travelled to and stayed in Sweden between 30 October 2021 and 23 February 2022.

Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and the European Union have condemned in the strongest possible terms Russia's unprecedented military aggression against Ukraine.