Oct 20, 2025
Sweden’s defense minister warned that Europe must prepare—morally and materially—for the real possibility of a conflict with Russia, saying nations should shift their mindset into “war mode” to deter and defend effectively, in an interview with German outlet RND on October 19.
“We need a change of mentality: we must move into ‘war mode’ to decisively deter the threat, defend and preserve peace. Russia constantly tests our unity and resolve. But Putin will not succeed. The current security situation has sharpened our vigilance,” Defense Minister Pål Jonson said.
He added that roughly 90 percent of Swedes back higher defense spending and want to maintain or expand support for Ukraine.
“Living next to Russia has taught us one thing: peace is not a gift, peace is something we must defend every day,” Jonson said.
Jonson called on European allies to step up military deliveries to Ukraine and to tighten sanctions on Moscow—with a particular focus on the energy sector and the Kremlin’s so-called “shadow fleet.”
He also urged using frozen Russian assets to bankroll defensive investment in Ukraine. “Only then will Putin understand that this war threatens his own grip on power and cannot be won,” he said.
Jonson argued Russia is failing on the battlefield, saying Moscow has paid a heavy price for minimal territorial gains: “Over the past year, more than 300,000 of its soldiers have been killed or wounded to seize less than 0.5% of Ukraine’s territory,” he said.
On deterring incursions, Jonson made clear that Sweden and NATO would respond robustly to violations of allied airspace or waters.
“We are a defensive alliance, that’s true, and our measures are considered and proportionate, but we will always react. Russia must know: if its warship or fighter enters our airspace or waters, we will be forced to expel it, and, if circumstances require, even shoot it down,” he said.
Jonson also painted the Baltic as a hybrid-warfare hotspot, accusing Moscow of a range of destabilizing acts—from undersea sabotage and attacks on seabed infrastructure to a growing shadow fleet that skirts sanctions. He said Sweden and NATO now maintain comprehensive surveillance across the region “from the seabed to the sky,” and credited NATO’s Baltic Sentry mission with reducing the most serious incidents.
Asked about Europe buying US systems for Ukraine rather than sourcing more from European industry, Jonson said the immediate need justified purchases from the US.
“We only buy US systems because they are lifesaving for Ukraine and we do not have comparable stockpiles in Europe,” he said, citing interceptors, Patriot batteries, long-range weapons, and HIMARS as examples. Still, he stressed that bolstering Europe’s defense industrial base remains important for the long run.
Earlier, reports emerged that Sweden was stepping up its support for Ukraine, signaling a readiness to deepen military assistance through key initiatives like PURL and the fighter jet coalition.
united24media.com
Sweden’s defense minister warned that Europe must prepare—morally and materially—for the real possibility of a conflict with Russia, saying nations should shift their mindset into “war mode” to deter and defend effectively, in an interview with German outlet RND on October 19.
“We need a change of mentality: we must move into ‘war mode’ to decisively deter the threat, defend and preserve peace. Russia constantly tests our unity and resolve. But Putin will not succeed. The current security situation has sharpened our vigilance,” Defense Minister Pål Jonson said.
He added that roughly 90 percent of Swedes back higher defense spending and want to maintain or expand support for Ukraine.
“Living next to Russia has taught us one thing: peace is not a gift, peace is something we must defend every day,” Jonson said.
Jonson called on European allies to step up military deliveries to Ukraine and to tighten sanctions on Moscow—with a particular focus on the energy sector and the Kremlin’s so-called “shadow fleet.”
He also urged using frozen Russian assets to bankroll defensive investment in Ukraine. “Only then will Putin understand that this war threatens his own grip on power and cannot be won,” he said.
Jonson argued Russia is failing on the battlefield, saying Moscow has paid a heavy price for minimal territorial gains: “Over the past year, more than 300,000 of its soldiers have been killed or wounded to seize less than 0.5% of Ukraine’s territory,” he said.
On deterring incursions, Jonson made clear that Sweden and NATO would respond robustly to violations of allied airspace or waters.
“We are a defensive alliance, that’s true, and our measures are considered and proportionate, but we will always react. Russia must know: if its warship or fighter enters our airspace or waters, we will be forced to expel it, and, if circumstances require, even shoot it down,” he said.
Jonson also painted the Baltic as a hybrid-warfare hotspot, accusing Moscow of a range of destabilizing acts—from undersea sabotage and attacks on seabed infrastructure to a growing shadow fleet that skirts sanctions. He said Sweden and NATO now maintain comprehensive surveillance across the region “from the seabed to the sky,” and credited NATO’s Baltic Sentry mission with reducing the most serious incidents.
Asked about Europe buying US systems for Ukraine rather than sourcing more from European industry, Jonson said the immediate need justified purchases from the US.
“We only buy US systems because they are lifesaving for Ukraine and we do not have comparable stockpiles in Europe,” he said, citing interceptors, Patriot batteries, long-range weapons, and HIMARS as examples. Still, he stressed that bolstering Europe’s defense industrial base remains important for the long run.
Earlier, reports emerged that Sweden was stepping up its support for Ukraine, signaling a readiness to deepen military assistance through key initiatives like PURL and the fighter jet coalition.
Sweden’s Defense Chief Urges Europe to Shift to “War Mode” and Strike Russia’s Shadow Fleet
Sweden's defense chief emphasizes the need for Europe to adopt a military mindset to effectively counter Russia's aggression and bolster support for Ukraine.
united24media.com
