Extra supplementary budget for 2023 - Additional defense materiel for Ukraine
Translated from Swedish by AI; the translation may contain errors. The Swedish text is the original.
Summary AI, written in advance
The debate concerns an extra supplementary budget for additional defense materiel for Ukraine. M is pleased with the 14th support package and considers it necessary to send artillery ammunition, spare parts, and infantry equipment for long-term support 1. S argues that the support has been resolute and that it is important to continue to shine the spotlight on Putin's war 2. SD considers that the West must agree on the support and that the government must ensure that the defense can replace the sent materiel 3. V argues that military support is required so that Russia does not win the war 4. C considers that Sweden must send much more money and weapons 5. KD emphasizes that the support is morally right and necessary for Ukraine's right to defend itself 6. MP welcomes the budget 7. L emphasizes that the support is an act of solidarity 8.
Written by AI in advance and may contain errors. The numbers lead to the speech a statement builds on; check against the text below.
Edward Riedl (M)
Mr. Speaker! There is much that is truly bad in our world right now. Hamas's despicable attack on innocent people a couple of weeks ago; women and children, innocents who were murdered in the most bestial ways one can imagine. Swedes were murdered when they were going to watch a football match; see the Swedish national team play. What should have been joy was turned into death, terror, and sorrow for the relatives and for us as a country. Here at home in Sweden, gangs shoot, blast, and murder each other, and innocents get in the way. One is completely ruthless in this killing. The entire free and open Swedish society is shaking to its core.
War is raging in Europe. Russia's fearsome war of aggression against Ukraine has now lasted for over 600 days. This is an attack not only against Ukraine but against the entire free and open Europe. The world is a worse place today. The threats in and against Sweden are more complicated and more serious than they have been in a very long time. People's evil actions have made the world a worse place, but in the deepest darkness, there is also hope. We who want a better world can unite and act decisively to change the future into something much better.
Extra supplementary budget for 2023 - Additional defense materiel for Ukraine
Mr. Speaker! I am pleased that all parties in the Riksdag stand behind the 14th support package that the government is now presenting in support of Ukraine. Sweden's determination to help Ukraine win the war, win peace, and then be rebuilt is very strong. Sweden stands behind Ukraine.
We must become more decisive in fighting the forces that want to destroy, tear down, and create insecurity. Russia's attack continues with unflagging strength, a year and a half into the war. At the same time, it is brave women and men in Ukraine who stand up and fight, but they need our help. The war will be long-lasting, and the consequences of the war will be long-lasting. There will be a need to support Ukraine in the long term to rebuild and build up the country again. Therefore, the government has presented several support packages both with military equipment and with many other parts.
This support package, Mr. Speaker, contains artillery ammunition, spare parts, infantry equipment, communication equipment, and ammunition for combat vehicles 90 to a value of 1.7 billion kronor. The materiel that Sweden has previously sent is useful, but it also needs to be maintained with spare parts. Ammunition must be supplied so that it is still possible to use those parts.
The platforms that Sweden has donated are important, but there is also a shortage of many other things. There is a high demand for 155 millimeter artillery shells for the artillery systems donated by many countries from the West. We are currently listening to all the needs that Ukraine has. The Government also presented, in connection with this support package, a mission to the Armed Forces to analyze and report on the conditions for supporting Ukraine with Jas 39 Gripen. Various alternatives are being looked at, and they shall be reported back.
Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Sweden has, in 13 previous and now with the 14th military support package, donated materiel worth 22.2 billion Swedish kronor.
I am proud as a Swede, and I am proud as a member of the Riksdag. I am proud that together we can show that we want to make a difference and help Ukraine. I hope that in these dark times we can turn anger into concrete action. Together we can make a difference for ourselves and for others.
Mr. Speaker! In conclusion, I would like to thank all parties for the fact that we can do this together. With this, I move for approval of the Finance Committee's proposal for support to Ukraine.
Ingela Nylund Watz (S)
Mr. Speaker and members of the Swedish Parliament! We are all aware that we live in a restless time. In recent times, horrific reports of gang violence, acts of terrorism, and war have succeeded one another.
Two weeks ago, we woke up to the news that the terrorist organization Hamas had attacked Israel. Horrific! The attacks were carefully planned with the intention to harm, kill, and instill terror in the Israeli civilian population. Israelis were kidnapped and taken to Gaza.
We Social Democrats have strongly condemned the attacks. There is nothing that can justify them. Israel has a self-evident right to defend itself, in accordance with the rules of international law, and a clear right to try to rescue the Israelis who have been taken hostage.
But Israel also has an obligation, in accordance with international law, to protect civilian lives. The Palestinian people must not be punished for Hamas's acts of terrorism. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is very strained, as we all know, and it is only getting worse. The population in Gaza needs access to food, water, electricity, and medicine. The humanitarian corridor that has been opened must be kept open for humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza. The humanitarian aid, which goes to healthcare, food, and other urgent needs in Palestine, must not be cut.
Mr. Speaker! At the same time as this horrific [event] occurs, Russia's war in Ukraine continues. In February 2022, the Riksdag took the historic decision to, for the first time since World War II, send defense materiel to a country at war. Since then, Sweden's support for Ukraine has been resolute. With today's decision, the support totals over 22 billion kronor, and I am convinced that it will involve further support.
Despite the fact that the war has now been ongoing for a year and a half, and despite developments in our global environment, we must continue to shine the spotlight on Putin's and Russia's violation of international law in the war in Ukraine. It must not be overshadowed by other events in the world. The Russian invasion of a peaceful and democratic neighboring country can never be tolerated. We shall continue to stand up for Ukraine's right to defend its sovereignty and integrity. Ultimately, Russia's invasion of Ukraine is a confrontation with the entire democratic West, the European security order, and international law.
Mr. Speaker! Sweden's policy in this serious security policy situation rests on several pillars. A reorganization of Swedish defense policy is underway in broad agreement. We have applied for membership in Nato and have, in broad political agreement, agreed that defense expenditures shall amount to 2 percent of GDP. The global situation and the deteriorated security situation here in Sweden demonstrate the importance of constantly continuing the work of preparing readiness and resilience, both civil and military.
Mr. Speaker! Just as the previous speaker said, the Riksdag decides today, gladly in broad agreement, to donate further defense materiel to Ukraine. It concerns ammunition, spare parts for previously donated materiel, communications equipment and infantry materiel, such as personal equipment and weapons for infantry combat, to a value of at most 1.7 billion kronor. We Social Democrats stand fully, firmly and wholeheartedly behind the committee's proposal.
At the same time as we support Ukraine in the ways we can nationally, we must continue to push for European security. It remains necessary to do so. European unity regarding the continued support for Ukraine is important, as this will be needed for a long time to come. Ukraine is not only defending its own independence but all of Europe's, and only through broad and sustained support can Russia be pushed back.
With this, I move for the approval of the proposal in the report.
Charlotte Quensel (SD)
Mr. Speaker! Russia, Iran and Syria are three aggressive countries that stand close to one another and actively work to divide and rule.
For 20 months, Russia has forced Ukraine to defend its right to exist as a country. War is abhorrent. It is bloody, and people are dying and being injured. Russia has chosen to attack Ukraine. The responsibility for all victims is Russia's, and there are many victims on both sides.
The British Ministry of Defence assesses that Russia has between 240,000 and 290,000 killed and wounded. According to information in the New York Times, around 70,000 Ukrainians have been killed and between 100,000 and 120,000 wounded. These are horrific figures, and every death and injury represents a human tragedy that also affects all those left behind with their loss, grief, and longing.
The EU, USA and several other Western countries have since Russia's attack focused on supporting Ukraine financially and - above all - with the war materiel and other equipment required. The need never subsides. It is extremely important that the West continues to agree on the support.
At the same time as Russia's war against Ukraine is occurring, we must not be geopolitically naive. The terrorist organization Hamas's slaughter of civilian Israelis as well as the taking of over 200 people hostage has forced the USA to shift focus to Israel and the Middle East. This is very favorable for Putin. What he needs is to split the Western unity that has prevailed until now, and what is then more suitable than Israel being drawn into a bloody war?
Waves of hatred and antisemitism that we have not seen since the days of Nazi Germany are passing through Sweden and the rest of Europe today. It triggers violence and domestic political unrest and steals attention from Russia's attacks on Ukraine.
At the same time, Russia is driving amounts of migrants from Africa across the Mediterranean. Among others, the Italian security service has seen a large increase of migrants who, with the help of Russian mercenaries, make their way over to the EU. Few of them have grounds for asylum.
Sweden and Finland have seen their sea-based cables sabotaged, and it is not unlikely that Russia is involved in this. Swedish authorities and banks are constantly subjected to cyberattacks from the Russian side. The influence operations are likely here to stay, and they come in many forms.
The West needs to stay focused. We must not let Russia and its allies win over the free world.
Mr. Speaker! In many ways, it is a naive optimism in Europe that has contributed to enabling Russia's attack on Ukraine. When Russia annexed the Crimean Peninsula in 2014, the West should have united and taken Putin's actions seriously. Instead, above all, Germany and France, through Merkel and Macron, sold out Europe's security as a result of the eagerness to reach an agreement with Putin.
To believe that one can convince a Russian dictator of Western values is as naive as believing that one can convince the terrorist organization Hamas to act humanely. Ukraine is largely paying for the policies pursued by the EU and the West. It is obviously easier to be wise after the fact, but there were too many warning signs that we did not act on.
Mr. Speaker! This afternoon, we will vote in this chamber to pass the fourteenth support package for Ukraine. Today's support amounts to nearly 1.7 billion kronor. We will donate defense materiel in the form of, among other things, ammunition and personal equipment. With this support, we are up to over 20 billion Swedish kronor.
The support affects Sweden's operational defense capability and also the long-term growth. That risk is worth highlighting. Therefore, it is important that the government ensures that the defense has the capacity to promptly replace the equipment that we send to Ukraine. Even though the announcements of the past few days are positive, Sweden is still not a part of NATO's community, and Sweden must therefore ensure its own defense capability.
With this motion, I move for approval of the proposal in the report.
Hanna Gunnarsson (V)
Mr. Speaker, honorable members of Parliament and you who are watching at home! It is now more than a year and a half since Russia's full-scale invasion and terrible war against Ukraine began after years of occupation of Crimea.
War is always the worst thing there is. It always leads to many casualties, shattered families, great devastation with bombed-out cities and infrastructure, very many refugees and generations of children who grow up with the consequences, the sorrow and the memories.
Russia's invasion, occupation and war are obviously completely unacceptable. They conflict with everything international law stands for and must continue to be condemned in the strongest terms. The invasion is unprovoked, illegal and unjustifiable. The attack is a violation of Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty and entails great human suffering for the Ukrainian people. It is very important that the world continues and expands the economic sanctions, stops buying Russian oil and gas and puts even greater pressure on the oligarchs who hide and their assets outside Russia.
Putin's regime is also a threat to all those inhabitants who oppose this rule and who do not fit into the society that Putin wants to build. For Russian human rights activists, hbtqi persons, feminists, indigenous rights advocates, environmental movements and the Russian political opposition, the regime itself is a daily security threat.
During the time that the full-scale war has been ongoing, we have had to learn a lot to understand the serious security policy developments in Europe when imperialist Russia wars against its neighboring countries. In the Committee on Defence and the Defence Preparation Board, we have intensified the work with the Swedish analysis, and through travels and meetings with our Baltic, Polish, German, and Finnish friends, we have learned a lot from their analysis of Russia.
We have learned that it is not enough with humanitarian, economic and diplomatic support and efforts without also needing military support. The military support with weapons, ammunition and training to Ukraine is required so that Russia does not win the war and so that Ukraine is not forced to give up either land or power to Russia. Being able to defend its borders and its population is fundamental for Ukraine to be able to build up and strengthen its democracy and welfare for the entire population in the future.
Mr. Speaker! Sweden's support for Ukraine must be broad and long-term. Thousands of the millions of people who have been forced to flee from Ukraine have made their way to Sweden. They are struggling to manage in a new country, with all the uncertainty it entails when family and friends remain in Ukraine.
The economic situation of the Ukrainian refugees in Sweden is also very serious. They and many other refugees here have very little economic compensation to live on every day. Vänsterpartiet has therefore many times demanded that the government should increase the compensation to make everyday life more bearable for refugees in Sweden.
When the war is over, Sweden shall be an active party in the reconstruction of Ukraine in accordance with the direction that the Ukrainian population wants to see.
This also applies to our support for Moldova and Georgia, two countries that have also been affected by Russian imperialism and occupation. In Belarus, the dictatorship still rules, and a struggling opposition is subjected to attacks and sentenced to long prison terms. Over the last year and a half, our contacts with all countries in the region and the various groups working for democracy and freedom have intensified in order to support the fight against Russian occupation, influence, and disinformation.
Madam Speaker! The world is unfortunately not as peaceful as we wish. All around the world, wars and conflicts are ongoing, people are fleeing for their lives, dictators are ravaging, and people live in oppression. It is incredibly important that Sweden is a strong voice in the world for peace, freedom, democracy, human rights, and equality.
The war in Ukraine has, as said, been ongoing for over a year and a half. Vänsterpartiet stands behind the humanitarian, economic and military support that Sweden sends to Ukraine and condemns the Russian invasion and occupation. I therefore move for approval of the committee's proposal.
Martin Ådahl (C)
Madam Speaker! Today marks 609 days since Putin launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine and its democracy. Every single one of these 609 days, the heroism of the Ukrainian people has defended our freedom. Now we continue to ask Ukraine to hold out until Putin has been defeated. But then we must also hold out with our part, our small part in this context in this historical effort, in the form of money and weapons.
This applies in particular now, when Hamas's horrific war of terror against Israel and the aftermath of it place new demands on Western democracies. It applies in particular now when Putin fuels conflicts from Armenia to Gaza and pulls in all his old extreme-nationalist, xenophobic allies in our Western democracies to get us in the free world to let go of Ukraine, if only by a little.
Sweden must stand firm and strong behind Ukraine every step of the way. We must continue to send Ukraine money, much more money. We must continue to send Ukraine weapons, much more weapons. Therefore, the Center Party stands wholeheartedly behind this extra supplementary budget, which to a small extent meets the acute need to replenish Ukraine's arsenal and materiel in this protracted war. We also welcome the unity that the proposal has in this chamber.
The only mistake is that it is once again too little and too late and that we have still not reached the same level as the countries that are leading the development in Europe to support Ukraine, such as Estonia and Norway.
In particular, this concerns something that Ukraine's leadership asks Sweden for more than anything else: the Jas 39 Gripen. It is the plane that, according to unanimous reports, is uniquely adapted for the Ukrainian theater of war and which the Swedish weapons industry, according to its own statement, has the capacity to deliver. Ukraine needs the Jas 39 Gripen. Ukraine is asking for the Jas 39 Gripen. Ukrainian pilots are training on the Jas 39 Gripen. Ukraine wants to fly the Jas 39 Gripen. Russia fears the Jas 39 Gripen. The Swedish weapons industry stands ready to produce, adapt, and deliver the Jas 39 Gripen to Ukraine.
What everyone is waiting for is a clear signal from the Swedish government - a clear signal that must not be conditioned on Orbán or Erdogan eventually approving Sweden's membership in Nato. We must not give them an extra foothold. In addition to my strong support for the supplementary budget, my plea to the Swedish government is: Do it! Sweden has the means, Sweden has the opportunity, and Sweden has the obligation to send Jas 39 Gripen to Ukraine.
Yusuf Aydin (KD)
Madam Speaker! Russia's full-scale and despicable war against Ukraine has now been ongoing for over 20 months. It has caused great human suffering with tens of thousands dead, many injured and enormous destruction. We see at the same time that Ukraine continues to defend itself and fight for its freedom and independence with great courage and skill.
In this situation, the support for Ukraine is both morally right and correct. It is about humanity, but it is also about Ukraine's right to defend itself. Ukraine is fighting not only for its own survival but also for Europe's and, in the long run, Sweden's security in these uncertain times with a restless world around us.
Sweden has taken a great responsibility to support Ukraine. We have already sent 13 military aid packages which together previously amounted to approximately 20 billion kronor. In addition to this, Sweden also contributes extensive humanitarian, economic and political support.
Madam Speaker! Today we are to make another important decision. The 14th military support package was presented by the government a couple of weeks ago and includes ammunition, spare parts for previously donated materiel, communication equipment and infantry materiel to a value of approximately 1.7 billion. With this 14th military support package, Sweden will have donated materiel to a value of just over 22 billion kronor.
It is important and necessary to continue supporting Ukraine as long as it is required, but also to constantly adapt to the needs that Ukraine has. This support package aims precisely to create the conditions for Ukraine to continue using previously transferred Swedish war materiel, but also to provide additional necessary materiel.
Madam Speaker! Russia underestimated Ukraine's military, political and social resilience as well as the West's cohesion and will to support Ukraine. It is important in this situation that the collective support of Sweden and the rest of the world continues even as crises, conflicts and wars arise in other parts of the world. One such example is the horrific terror attack against Israel that the terrorist organization Hamas carried out on October 7, a terror attack against Israeli civilians that has affected many of us very deeply.
We Christian Democrats strongly condemn this attack and at the same time express our support for Israel and the country's self-evident right to defend itself. We also condemn the antisemitic remarks we have seen here at home in Sweden. Very clear measures are required to combat antisemitism even here and to support the Jewish organizations, congregations, and people who operate here in Sweden. Such an initiative was presented today by the government and involves reinforced support for the security work of Jewish organizations here at home in Sweden. More measures will come from the government for this work.
Madam Speaker! Today's matter is an expression of Sweden's continued strong support for Ukraine. Sweden's support is extensive, broad, robust and sustained.
We Christian Democrats have since the war began been very clear in our unwavering support for Ukraine, and we are therefore pleased that the Riksdag with today's decision, which is passed unanimously, shows that Sweden continues to support the Ukrainian women and men who fight and defend their country and their freedom. We continue to stand up for Ukraine, for peace and for freedom.
With this, I vote in favor of the committee's proposal in the report.
Jan Riise (MP)
Madam Speaker! Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues with unabated force, and there is still no peace in sight. Even though the full-scale war of aggression has now been ongoing for over 20 months, it is just as illegal and unjustifiable today as it was on the day Putin let his troops cross the border into free and democratic Ukraine.
Sweden was quick to offer support and help to assist Ukraine in defending itself. I am proud of that. But time is passing, the war continues, and Ukraine continues to need our full support in all ways.
For us in Miljöpartiet, it is clear that Sweden should contribute to Ukraine's struggle for self-determination and self-defense. We shall continue with our support for Ukraine, individually and together with other countries. We must continue to safeguard human rights, international law, and peace.
Now the rest of the world must show that we are as persistent in our support for Ukraine as the Ukrainians have shown they are in the resistance against the aggressor and in the defense of their country. Sweden's support for Ukraine must continue to be strong, both during and after the war. Ukraine shall be rebuilt and continue to be a free and independent country.
Ukraine is a democracy that has been invaded by an authoritarian regime in order to take away the freedom of Ukraine's population.
Swedish security is closely intertwined with security across Europe. Therefore, it is important that we stick together and have a united front against Putin. An attack against a country in Europe is an attack against the security of all of Europe, and an attack against a democratic country is an attack against democracy everywhere.
The Green Party welcomes the government's extra supplementary budget, which means that we are donating an additional package of defense materiel. I am grateful that we in the Swedish Riksdag stand united in our support for Ukraine and demand that the war ends, that war crimes are investigated and those responsible are held accountable, and that Ukraine shall continue to be a free and independent country.
Madam Speaker! Sweden is a friend in need - to Ukraine and to a rules-based world order. It is something I am proud that we can show unity in. I am proud that we send money, weapons and support to civilians, that we push in the EU for more sanctions and harsh condemnations. But we could have done more.
The Ukrainians fleeing here for protection, we could have welcomed better. I am not referring to the Swedes as people - for sometimes among us, we have seen an incredible will to receive and help our fellow human beings fleeing the war, and thousands of hours of volunteer work have been dedicated to ensuring that those fleeing feel welcome here and as safe as possible in the midst of the chaos - but I mean the country Sweden. We let people live on 71 SEK per day and give them no opportunities to learn Swedish, even though people want to learn and want to start working as soon as possible. It is a disgrace.
We are also still buying Putin's fossil fuels. When President Zelenskyy spoke to the Swedish Riksdag over a year ago, he asked for much of what Sweden is doing now. But he also asked for something more, namely that we should stop buying Russian fuel and that we should prevent ships with Russian cargo from entering Swedish ports. We have not yet fully complied with that, but we must.
We cannot with one hand support Ukraine in the country's fight against Putin's invasion and with the other hand feed his war chest. If Ukraine is to win the war and reach peace, we must all do everything we can - everything. It is not enough to buy any Russian fuel. Everything must be stopped.
With that said, Madam Speaker, the Green Party supports the bill and moves for approval of the committee's proposal in the report.
Anna Starbrink (L)
Madam Speaker! Yet another support package, the 14th, we are to debate today. Unfortunately, it is not the last support package.
Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine is a brutal and unfortunately also protracted war that is severely afflicting the people in Ukraine and leading to great human losses.
Ukraine's resilience and will to defend itself is impressive, and we will continue to provide our support. We do so because it is what decent states do. We support and help our friends. It is an act of solidarity.
But there is also a self-interest in this. Supporting Ukraine is an important link in creating security for all of Europe, including for ourselves. An armed attack against Sweden cannot be ruled out. This is stated by the Defence Preparedness Board. Russia constitutes the most serious and most direct threat to European and Swedish security in both the short and long term.
Ukraine's campaign is about defending its country, its people, and its freedom. But in a broader perspective, it is ultimately a conflict over which norms and principles should be governing, the right of the strongest or a rules-based world order.
It is pleasing to see that the parties in the Riksdag are consistently united in their support for Ukraine. It is truly a strength. The supplementary budget provides an opportunity to send additional materiel to Ukraine. And as we have already heard in the debate, it concerns important equipment, ammunition, and so on.
But in addition to this, Sweden's 14th support package also involves an investment in education. Sweden will continue its commitment to Operation Interflex, the UK-led basic training mission with the ambition to train 30,000 soldiers per quarter. Sweden contributes approximately 120 instructors.
Madam Speaker! Ukraine is one of the countries in the world with the most mines deployed. We are talking about millions of mines that Russia has deployed. It is a catastrophe for the country. And the risk is obvious that people will be maimed and that this will continue for a long time to come. It also, of course, prevents the land from being cultivated. Therefore, I believe that it is so incredibly important that Sweden, with this support package that is now to be sent, contributes to the training in Lithuania for Ukrainian officers in qualified mine clearance. The idea is that they can then travel home to their home units and there train more mine clearers. It is an important contribution to the rebuilding of the country.
Madam Speaker! This 14th support package will need to be followed by more. And my hope is – it is something that the Liberals have been pushing for – that in the near future we will be able to offer Ukraine access to the Jas Gripen. The Government has tasked the Armed Forces to review the conditions for this. And already at the beginning of November, we will receive a basis for our continued preparation. This and the impending NATO membership, which I hope is now within reach, are important prerequisites for us to be able to help Ukraine even with combat aircraft and in that way also safeguard our own security.
Madam Speaker! Once again, I am pleased that we remain so united in the Riksdag regarding our support for Ukraine. It is a strength, and we must persevere. As previous speakers have said here, we must be persistent in our support for the Ukrainian people, who are also forced into a completely different kind of perseverance that is difficult to imagine.
I vote in favor of the proposal in the committee's report.
The deliberation was hereby concluded.
Source: The Swedish Parliament. The speeches come from the open data of the Riksdag, translated into English by AI, which may contain errors.