Extra supplementary budget for 2024 - Additional equipment and financial support to Ukraine

Edward Riedl (M)

Mr. Speaker! We are heading towards another winter with war in Europe. Not far from here, people are fighting for their lives - people who, not so long ago, lived completely ordinary lives, just like all of us.

From an everyday life where they left the children at preschool, took the early bus to work and had football practices, grocery shopping and everything that life entails, they moved to an everyday life characterized by the darkness of war. The Ukrainian people have in an instant been forced away from a secure everyday life, down into trenches and shelters, after Russia's full-scale invasion. Russia terror-bombs civilians inside the cities, far from the front, and engages in systematic rape. The war crimes are many and horrific.

During a few days this spring, Mr. Speaker, the members of the Committee on Finance visited Ukraine. On-site, we were able to witness much of the horrific. We saw the horrors of war, but only a small part – much more was seen in the eyes of those we met. We saw a bombed-out Borodjanka, where we met the mayor who described how her neighbors survived the shell attacks because they took shelter in the basement but were suffocated to death in the rubble because there was no one who could come and rescue them. That is what war is, and that is what is being experienced in Ukraine right now.

We received reports of air alarms inside Kyiv, and we saw the train platform where the trains arrived from the east with wounded soldiers from the front. We saw how ambulances stood in long lines and waited for the trains and how wounded soldiers were unloaded into the ambulances to be driven to the hospitals.

It is hard to take in, Mr. Speaker, because it could just as easily have been you and I. It could just as easily have hit our country. It is a deteriorated security situation in Sweden's immediate vicinity and a deteriorated security situation in Europe following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. It requires a much stronger Swedish defense. Russia's war against Ukraine is defining both for our time and for the security situation.

The government is currently carrying out the largest upgrade of the total defense since the 1950s. In the budget that Finance Minister Elisabeth Svantesson laid on the floor of the Riksdag last week, there are extensive investments in Swedish security. The budget for next year implies increased funds for the military defense of almost 13 billion kronor. This corresponds to an increase of 10 percent from the previous year. An aggressive Russia under Putin's regime has fundamentally changed our part of the world for the worse.

Today we make a decision on an extra supplementary budget with increased support for Ukraine's fight. We do so in broad consensus in this chamber, Mr. Speaker - all eight parties in the Riksdag stand behind continued support. A very large part of the Swedish people stand behind continued Swedish support for Ukraine. We do it because it is fundamentally right and proper, but we also do it because it builds Swedish security. With today's decision, we will provide additional resources to Ukraine, both military and economic, and as I said, I am proud of the broad agreement that prevails in this chamber.

Mr. Speaker! The Government and the Sweden Democrats have agreed to introduce a framework for the military support to Ukraine for the years 2024-2026. The framework amounts to 75 billion kronor distributed as 25 billion per year. The support proposed in this bill is a part of that framework, and Sweden has signaled a long-term support to Ukraine. It is an important signal to Ukraine that we intend to stand on their side as long as it is needed - until they have won the war - but that Sweden and other countries have signaled long-term support is just as important as a signal to Russia, Mr. Speaker. It sends a signal to Putin's regime and to his henchmen that we will stand on Ukraine's side.

The war and its consequences will be long-lasting, and therefore there is a need to support Ukraine in the long term both during the war and after the war is won. The Government has therefore now presented a proposal for additional support packages in the form of this extra supplementary budget.

In the proposition, the government proposes that defense materiel that can be spared by the Armed Forces for a limited period shall be donated to Ukraine. This includes, among other things, anti-aircraft missiles, Stridsbåt 90, training materiel, anti-tank mines, and armor plates. Furthermore, increased appropriations and authorizations are proposed so that the materiel can be replaced domestically.

Ukraine has also requested support in the area of air defense. In order to create conditions for potential future support to Ukraine in the area of air defense, an expanded authorization is also proposed to the government to place orders for equipment for the Jas 39 Gripen fighter aircraft.

The proposition also contains proposals for an increased appropriation to provide grants to funds and to bilateral and multilateral donation projects that have been established for the purpose of supporting Ukraine. Furthermore, the government proposes that defense materiel and defense equipment as well as protective materiel within the civil sphere shall be procured to subsequently be donated to Ukraine.

Mr. Speaker! As I said, I am very proud of our country Sweden because we have such great unity in our parliament and in the population about doing what is right and proper, namely to continue supporting Ukraine. In these dark times, I hope that together we can turn our anger into something meaningful in order to actually make a difference, and I see it as our continued duty to support Ukraine in every way we can. We do that today by making decisions on this extra supplementary budget.

With that, I move for the proposal in the report to be approved, Mr. Speaker.

(Applause)

The speech at riksdagen.se, in Swedish (opens in a new tab)

Joakim Sandell (S)

Mr. Speaker! I can start where Edward Riedl finished, namely with that it is a strength that all eight parties in the Riksdag have been united in their support for Ukraine during practically this entire tragic conflict.

We can actually see that support is starting to crack in other parts of Europe. The party AFD in Germany had successes in the state elections in Thuringia and Saxony, and on Sunday, Austria goes to an election with good forecasts for one of the parties said to stand relatively close to Russia, FPÖ. The last time FPÖ sat in government in Austria, it was even to the extent that some European security services did not share sensitive material with the party because of its connections to Russia.

It feels very good, therefore, to be here in the Swedish Riksdag and chamber and to feel that all the parties in the Riksdag stand behind support for Ukraine. Is it so that we discuss—it is never a matter of one party wanting to give less support to Ukraine, but rather that one wants to give more.

Mr. Speaker! We face one of the greatest challenges of our time. This is a war that affects not only Ukraine but the entire free world. The Russian invasion is an attack on Ukraine's sovereignty but also on the order we all rely on - a world order built on international law, respect for human rights, and the right of nations to self-determination. It is an attack on all of us and on the values that we have long defended: peace, democracy, and solidarity.

When we see this brutal aggression, we cannot stand by passively. Over the past years, we have seen the Ukrainians' enormous courage and determination to defend their country and their citizens' freedom. They are standing up for something greater than themselves. They are standing up for every nation's right to determine its own future, free from foreign occupation and oppression.

Sweden has, like many other countries, contributed in different ways to Ukraine's struggle. We have sent humanitarian aid, medical equipment, protective equipment, and weapons. It has been absolutely crucial. But we also know that this is not enough. The war is changing, and Ukraine's needs are changing with it.

We cannot expect that this war will be over soon, and we must therefore be persistent. As I emphasized earlier, we must also be united, not only here in Sweden but also with European neighbors and international allies. This unity is our strength - without it, Putin and his regime would have free rein.

Mr. Speaker! There is an area where we can and should do a little more now. We have already shown that we stand side by side with Ukraine in its struggle for freedom. Now it is time to also expand our military support by delivering Jas 39 Gripen to Ukraine.

We know that air combat capability is crucial for Ukraine's ability to withstand the massive Russian air attacks and secure its borders. By contributing our Jas planes, we can give Ukraine a strategic advantage in the fight for the country's independence.

I know it is not an easy decision, but I am convinced that this is the right step to take. It is a step that would send a clear signal to the rest of the world, and to Putin, that Sweden does not yield to aggression but stands firm in its support for Ukraine and its right to freedom and self-determination.

Sending Jas to Ukraine is a decision that is about solidarity. It is a decision that shows that Sweden, like other nations, is prepared to do what is required to support a country that is fighting to defend our common values.

We have learned from history that we must never remain silent when oppression and violence are allowed to rage. Let us now stand united, not only in words but also in action. Let us show the world that Sweden's commitment to democracy and peace is unwavering. Let us stand firm in our support for Ukraine - with humanitarian aid, with weapons, and with our Jas aircraft. Together for peace, together for Ukraine!

Mr. Speaker! I would like to conclude by moving to approve the Finance Committee's proposal.

(Applause)

The speech at riksdagen.se, in Swedish (opens in a new tab)

Charlotte Quensel (SD)

Mr. Speaker! Last Saturday, I drove early in the morning south on the E4 in my home region of Skåne. The sun was shining, and it was summer-warm. I passed countless fields where the corn had been newly harvested and the rapeseed fields stood ready for next spring. It was simply a fine day.

The traffic was sparse, and therefore I could focus on the convoy that I was overtaking. I passed a large number of odd trucks, and it became clear that their destination was Ukraine. On the flatbeds of the civilian trucks stood all kinds of military vehicles.

The experience reminded me of how lucky we are in Sweden. Here, Russia's war remains news about the horrors taking place in Ukraine. Here, we have the freedom to choose what we want to do in our free time. Here, we can live in a secure everyday life without having the slightest idea of where the nearest shelter is located or whether there even is a shelter. The latter we should, of course, inform ourselves about.

It should be self-evident that neighboring countries cooperate and do not wage war against each other. That a neighboring country to the EU is driven by a conviction that it has the right to destroy its neighbor is difficult to comprehend. This is the reason why we here this afternoon decide on the 17th support package to Ukraine. With today's support, Sweden has so far contributed more than 57 billion kronor, including military and other support.

It is a strength both that we stand united in the Riksdag that Sweden's aid to Ukraine shall continue for as long as it is needed and that the Swedish people share this conviction.

Mr. Speaker! For more than two and a half years, Russia has waged full-scale war against the Ukrainian people. The suffering that Ukraine's inhabitants are undergoing is difficult to understand if one has not shared this experience. To contribute militarily and economically is a low price to pay compared to, as the Ukrainians, seeing their loved ones die at the front and having their homes and cities bombed to pieces. Sweden's and the Western world's support for Ukraine costs economically, but it is nothing compared to what it would cost if Ukraine were to lose to Russia. The least we can do is to support militarily and economically.

Today's extra supplementary budget gives Ukraine more of what the country demands. Here is also a long-awaited part with increased appropriations and authorization so that we may in the future potentially be able to provide support with Jas 39 Gripen. Most of us are eager to see our Swedish fighter jet assist in the war against Russia, but it is not we here in the Riksdag who have the competence to decide on this potential investment. Air defense is a matter for the defense, the Ministry of Defence, Nato, international aviation cooperation for Ukraine, and the government.

Mr. Speaker! Part of Sweden's and Europe's defense capability consists of what we contribute to give Ukraine a fair chance to defeat Russia. As I said earlier, any other outcome would be devastating not only for Ukraine but for all of Europe.

If Russia wins, they will continue to arm themselves for new wars against their neighbors. The Russian people's support for the war is frighteningly strong. We need to take such values seriously and realize that many Russians are far from our view of democracy and peace. That several leading politicians in Sweden and the EU have been naive regarding Russia for many years is not an excuse we can lean on today – on the contrary.

Mr. Speaker! I vote in favor of the proposal in the report.

(Applause)

The speech at riksdagen.se, in Swedish (opens in a new tab)

Håkan Svenneling (V)

Mr. Speaker! Dear school students! We in the Riksdag shall today make a decision on the 17th support package for Ukraine during the more than two and a half years that have passed since Russia's violation of international law and full-scale invasion began.

Russia's invasion, occupation and war is of course something completely unacceptable and violates everything international law stands for. This must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. The attack is a violation of Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty and entails great suffering for the Ukrainian people.

A terrible war has followed with many casualties, shattered families, great devastation, bombed-out cities, destroyed infrastructure and many refugees. Generations of children will grow up with the sorrow and the memories. Mines in the ground and water will be a threat to people long after peace is restored.

The military support from Sweden concerns weapon systems, ammunition and training. Now an important shift is occurring in our support. From donations, to help in procuring new materiel. But the support also contains important civilian components. It is important that our support to Ukraine is comprehensive and consists of military, civilian, humanitarian and financial support so that the Ukrainian resilience shall continue to be strong.

The previous Swedish support has made a difference. It has partly stopped and hindered Russian attempts to make advances, and partly enabled Ukraine to launch a counter-offensive. In the Black Sea and the river delta around the Dnieper, Ukraine demonstrates a fantastic maritime capability to resist and maintain control over important sea areas.

Mr. Speaker! One of the major parts of this decision concerns the Jas 39 Gripen. There will now be more operational fighter aircraft. Who will use them and in what forms is not decided, but today's decision contributes to creating increased capability and freedom of action for the future. In Sweden, there has for some time been a discussion about donating the Jas 39 Gripen to Ukraine. Some are trying to score some rather easy points in the political debate while others are most interested in selling Jas planes left and right. But for those who take the question of military support to Ukraine seriously, today's decision is good news.

Fighter jets are not just any military equipment. It requires great knowledge and training to operate them, and a devastating shootdown of a plane has major military consequences. Furthermore, every plane requires extensive logistics and service in the background - unique competencies that are also needed for everything to function. It is obvious that the Jas 39 Gripen could be of great use for Ukraine if all of this were in place. Jas is developed to be versatile in its capability and with Russia as a clear threat. In many ways, it may be the most suitable plane for Ukraine.

We are not in peacetime; the war is ongoing here and now. Therefore, we need to make wise and well-considered decisions that build capacity in the long term and ensure that Ukraine can defend itself against Russia and Putin's illegal invasion.

Mr. Speaker! The war in Ukraine has now been ongoing for 31 months. I had the opportunity, together with the Riksdag's first delegation since the war broke out, to visit Ukraine in May last year. It was a trip that was moving and made a difference. The understanding of the daily fear and the strain the war entails for the Ukrainian people became clearly apparent when I woke up to the sound of another attack against Kyiv and, together with my colleagues, spent large parts of the night in the hotel's basement. For me, that experience lasted only one day, but the full-scale war in Ukraine has been ongoing for 943 days. Above all, we must not forget that the annexation of Crimea and eastern Ukraine took place already ten years ago.

Sweden's support for Ukraine is and must be broad and long-term. Thousands of the millions of people who have been forced to flee from Ukraine have come to Sweden, and they need better opportunities to have a good life here, both during the time the war continues and if they wish to stay in Sweden after the war ends. Vänsterpartiet believes, therefore, that the low allowance for the refugees must be raised. We must give those who have fled the war a bearable and secure existence in Sweden. It is part of our important support for Ukraine and the Ukrainian population.

When the war is over, Sweden shall be an active party in a just reconstruction of Ukraine in accordance with the direction that the Ukrainian population wants to see.

Mr. Speaker! Russia must lose this war. Ukraine must not be forced to surrender either land or power to Russia. That one can defend its borders and its population is fundamental for Ukraine to be able to build up and strengthen its democracy and the welfare for the population in the future.

Vänsterpartiet stands behind the humanitarian, economic and military support Sweden sends to Ukraine and condemns the Russian invasion and occupation. Therefore, I move for approval of the committee's proposal for a 17th support package to Ukraine.

The speech at riksdagen.se, in Swedish (opens in a new tab)

Martin Ådahl (C)

Mr. Speaker and listeners! We should truly be very grateful that there is a consensus in this chamber behind Ukraine. The problem is not that, but that we are not doing enough. We who are not at the front line and do not need to struggle with the efforts of our or our fathers', sons', relatives' or friends' have a responsibility to do everything we can to support Ukraine's entry into the EU and Nato and with weapons and money. In that case, there is no other way than for Sweden to take the lead in Europe. Sweden as a nation cannot be in the middle and not a number of steps behind the Baltics and our Nordic neighboring countries, who give more. Sweden must be all the way at the front. We have the state finances, we have strong security policy reasons and we have, thank God, an opinion that stands behind us.

First and foremost, it is the money: When the Committee on Finance visited Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, we could observe how economically well Ukraine is preparing for the war. The economy is growing, inflation is under control, and it is good to invest in Ukraine. But the war has an enormous price, not only in human lives but also in kronor and öron, or hryvnia as the currency is called in Ukraine. The Finance Minister clarified that a corresponding 120 billion kronor will be lacking this year alone. More money is needed.

With and including this 17th support package, unfortunately, the entire framework of 25 billion kronor that the government has allocated for 2025 is exhausted. Gudskelov says the government that the framework is a floor, not a ceiling. But the question arises: Why is the framework then not larger? The Center Party has said that if we are to lead and not follow Europe, the framework must be expanded. It should not be 75 billion over three years, until the end of 2026, when we sincerely pray that the war is over, but 75 billion every year, over 1 percent of GDP every year until Ukraine has won the war. It is worth it, and we can afford it. We cannot afford not to do it.

Civil society in Sweden is stepping up in a fantastic way, everything from the blue and yellow cars to how people receive refugees in their homes. But as it stands now, the state provides too little. We are still far behind our neighboring countries. Furthermore, we, like Denmark and other countries, should ensure that this sum can be used in both Ukraine and Sweden. A major step forward with this package is that one is now starting to invest in production in Ukraine.

We must further take the money that Putin and his followers hide in the West - the Russian central bank's money in Brussels, very large sums, and the oligarchs' money in the West, including Sweden. In recent days, we learned that our fine aluminum factory in Sundsvall, Kubal, the largest in northern Europe, from Sundsvall, the heart of Sweden, is to send 791 million kronor to Moscow in profit distribution, to the owner Rusal, which is part of the Russian war apparatus, controlled by Oleg Deripaska, an oligarch in Putin's inner circle. Almost 800 million from Sundsvall is to go straight into the Russian war chest. These are blood money. This is not compatible with Swedish security interests, and in the long run, it threatens jobs and operations in Sundsvall. Above all, it is a betrayal of Ukraine.

We must clean in front of our own door. Just as others, including Germany and Lithuania, Sweden should introduce specific legislation where Kubal is taken from Moscow, forcibly managed and sold. The money shall then be transferred to Ukraine. Others have done it; we can also do it.

Last but not least: the weapons. It is good that we have production in Ukraine, but we must once again talk about what the Ukrainians have asked for the longest, which we have not managed to deliver but already should have sent, namely the Jas 39 Gripen. Here, it is neither hacked nor ground in the latest package. Billions are spent on parts of Jas instead of announcing that Jas will be sent as soon as possible.

Sweden must give Ukraine an unambiguous Jas option clarifying that a fast track to be able to send Jas will be introduced as soon as possible. We must take all measures for training of pilots, repair and logistics.

Ukraine has clarified that they want the Jas 39 Gripen in cooperation with the F16 to prevent the horrific terror bombings with so-called glide bombs. They want the Jas as soon as possible. They need to train their pilots on the Jas 39 Gripen now. It is in itself an easy-to-train aircraft and known worldwide for exactly this. It is so well-built that it is one of the combat aircraft that is easiest to train on.

An announcement regarding Jas would now mean that planning could be started, just as was done for F16. Training of pilots could in that case be initiated simultaneously with the formation of a solid, long-term repair and logistics capacity. Sweden could have already started the planning to ensure this a year ago, but now we must do everything – diplomatically and in terms of planning – to shorten the waiting time. We must have a fast track to send Jas 39 Gripen to Ukraine.

Ukraine must not have to wait. Time is Ukraine's enemy, according to Zelenskyy. It is taking too long - unnecessarily long. While we discuss, Ukrainians are unfortunately sacrificing their lives for their freedom and for our freedom. Give Ukraine the message now regarding weapons, regarding money, and regarding the Jas 39 Gripen!

The speech at riksdagen.se, in Swedish (opens in a new tab)

Hans Eklind (KD)

Mr. Speaker! Three months ago, about ninety countries gathered for a peace summit in Switzerland. Sweden was represented by Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch, and the summit showed that there is broad international support for Ukraine's cause and, naturally, for the ambition to achieve peace and that borders shall not be moved by force.

For us Christian Democrats, the unity that exists here in the Swedish Riksdag for Ukraine's sake is important. As a nation, we must continue to work so that international support does not falter but is maintained. Ukraine has for over two and a half years fought day and night for its freedom and independence and, in the long run, for Europe's security.

Mr. Speaker! In this supplementary budget, it is proposed that additional materiel and financial support should be given to Ukraine. It lies in our own foreign and security policy interest.

Ukraine has clearly expressed that they are in need of materiel and equipment to strengthen their operational capability. It is about donating defense materiel to Ukraine that can be spared by the Armed Forces for a limited period and replacing this. It is also about creating conditions for potential future support to Ukraine in the air defense area through increased authorization to order materiel for the Jas Gripen fighter aircraft.

The proposal is also to procure defense materiel and defense equipment as well as protective materiel within the civil sphere for donation. There are also proposals for increased appropriations to provide contributions to funds and bilateral and multilateral donation projects that have been established for the purpose of supporting Ukraine.

The Government and the Sweden Democrats have agreed to introduce a framework for the military support to Ukraine for 2024-2026. The framework amounts to at least 75 billion kronor, and what we are discussing today is a part of this framework.

Mr. Speaker! At the peace summit in Switzerland, our Vice Prime Minister said: "A united world must be stronger than a single aggressor. What is at stake is international law and whether it is international law or violence that shall set a country's borders."

I have previously said – and I say it again and again – that it is a strength that we have a unity regarding the support for Ukraine. Sweden must not and shall not yield a single millimeter from our position to support the Ukrainian women and men who, with their lives at stake, defend their territory and their country's existence. I am grateful that we have both a government and a Riksdag that quickly and, above all, persistently ensure that Sweden provides qualitative contributions to Ukraine's struggle to win this war.

(Applause)

The speech at riksdagen.se, in Swedish (opens in a new tab)

Anna Starbrink (L)

Mr. Speaker! Once again we have gathered here to debate or perhaps rather jointly state that we must send another support package to Ukraine. It is the 17th package, and with it, Sweden has contributed 48.1 billion kronor in military support to Ukraine since Russia's brutal war of aggression began in 2022. During the current year, Sweden is contributing 25 billion kronor in military support.

As several speakers have already said, it is an enormous strength that we do this in broad agreement. The support for Ukraine and the opposition to Russia is strong in our country and in our Riksdag and will need to continue to be so for a long time to come.

The suffering of the Ukrainian people is appalling. Now another long, cold winter awaits. It is inconceivable that people can endure, but there is no other choice but to continue to endure. We who want to defend freedom have no other choice than to continue supporting Ukraine and be resilient.

I, just like all of you, follow the developments in Ukraine and see the horror. A couple of days ago, SVT's news broadcast an item that I cannot erase from my retinas. It is about war crimes. There are so many testimonies about this that no one can any longer doubt the evil in Russia's brutal actions. The abuses against both soldiers and civilians are loathsome.

A priest in Kherson tells in the news report about the abuses and the threats of being beaten to pieces with a baton. He managed to escape.

Halyna, a widow in Irpin, tells about when a Russian soldier forced her to take off all her clothes, poked her with his automatic weapon and put the weapon against her groin before he raped her. Now she thanks God every day that she survived. She says in the TV segment that she believes it was so that she could tell. She says: Spread the word to your people. They - the Russians - will not be satisfied with Ukraine.

The war crimes being committed are inexcusable and must come to an end. Russia must be pushed back and Ukraine liberated.

Mr. Speaker! Our support for Ukraine is in solidarity with all Ukrainians who are forced to live in the midst of the war. Their freedom is worth defending. It is also the most important thing we can do for security and peace in the rest of Europe, including here. We must listen to the widow in Irpin. They will not be satisfied with Ukraine.

With the new package, which is the 17th, we enter a new phase in Sweden's support for Ukraine. There will be a greater focus on production instead of on donation. It is a necessary shift for our support to be able to become long-term.

I will not go through the details of the package's content. Several speakers before me have already done so. As you have heard, there are many important parts that will make a big difference in the defense of Ukraine. These include both procurement of ammunition and other things as well as donations of what we ourselves can spare and, not least, substantial contributions to international funds and collaborations. As many members before me have pointed out, we must stand strong together in the global arena.

I want to say a few words about the Jas 39 Gripen. Many of us would like to provide Ukraine with these. We understand that a large and broad international cooperation is required for the Jas to be able to be used. Right now, the introduction of the F16 is underway, and that means, of course, a considerable improvement of Ukraine's possibilities to defend itself. But I also want the Jas 39 Gripen to be sent.

In order for it to be possible to make a donation of fighter jets, we must ensure that we have some Jas C/D left to donate. That is why the material packages included in the package are so important. My and the Liberals' hope is that the government will soon be able to return with new support packages and that the Jas 39 Gripen will be able to be included there.

Mr. Speaker! Our support is important and makes a big difference in Ukraine. We receive confirmation of that often. The 17th support package will also be important. Everything that we in Sweden have given, what we do here in the Riksdag and the efforts from our authorities, the business community, civil society and individual people make a difference.

Still, it feels insufficient when we read about the war crimes, the rapes, and the children who are kidnapped. We must be more who give more, and we must see a great perseverance. It is a worrying development in several European countries, but we in Sweden shall do what we can to continue to give our strong support but also act in international contexts for a common strong international support for Ukraine.

That we are now creating multi-year conditions through the so-called Ukraine framework of 75 billion kronor gives us better opportunities to work specifically in the long term. It will be an important shift. The framework is somewhat elastic and can be expanded. It is not a ceiling but a floor.

With this, Mr. Speaker, I would like to vote in favor of the committee's proposal.

(Applause)

The speech at riksdagen.se, in Swedish (opens in a new tab)

Elin Söderberg (MP)

Mr. 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 a long time, it is just as illegal and unjustifiable today as it was on the day Putin ordered his troops to cross the border into the free and democratic Ukraine.

Sweden was quick to offer support to help Ukraine defend 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 we must show the rest of the world 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.

I vote in favor of the committee's proposal.

The deliberation was hereby concluded.

(Decisions were made under § 10.)

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