The step reinforce UK’s security and fortify Northern Europe’s defence, in the face of renewed threats from Russia
The Prime Minister of United Kingdom (U.K.) – Boris Johnson today, i.e., Wednesday, May 11, 2022 signed a historic declaration with Sweden and will do so in sometime with Finland to reinforce their security and fortify Northern Europe’s defence, in the face of renewed threats from Russia.
Johnson is on a 24-hour trip to Sweden and Finland. In Sweden, he met the Prime Minister – Magdalena Andersson and discussed Russia’s assault on Ukraine and on strengthening the security in Europe. He signed the mutual security assurances setting out the U.K.’s intention to support Sweden in case it faces crisis or comes under attack.
Addressing the media, Magdalena said, “The tensions in this part of Europe has increased in the last years given Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine.”
Speaking on the occasion, Johnson said, “The declaration makes it clear, it’s upon request of Sweden [that] the UK will of course provide assistance.”
He further said, “This is an agreement that enshrines the values that both Sweden and the UK hold.”
Johnson is now set to sign the similar assurance with the Prime Minister of Finland – Sanna Marin. His visit gains significance as Sweden and Finland are yet to decide whether they want to join North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).
Russia is against the expansion of NATO membership to any new nation. It invaded Ukraine because it didn’t want Ukraine to join NATO. Russia has also warned Finland and Sweden against joining NATO recently. Although Finland and Sweden are militarily non-aligned but Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has prompted increasing public support to become members of the Western defensive alliance.
The assurances with Sweden and Finland will see a step-change in defence and security cooperation. The declarations will allow U.K. to cooperate with key Nordic partners and their armed forces, in all domains, including cyberspace. They will also allow for closer collaboration on new technology and intelligence gathering. As part of increased defence cooperation with Sweden and Finland, the Prime Minister will offer to increase deployments to the region, including with Royal Air Force, British Army and Royal Navy assets and personnel.
Both Sweden and Finland have played a key role in supporting Ukraine to defend its country from invading Russian troops. Both nations are part of the U.K.-led Joint Expeditionary Force taskforce, which brings together 10 countries in support of stability and security in the North Atlantic, Baltic Sea Region and the High North.
