Swedish Prime Minister (Sveriges statsminister) Ulf Kristersson declared “Europe and the world are at a crossroads” at a press conference following a high-level European summit on the war in Ukraine. His stark warning comes as European leaders grapple with the conflict’s long-term implications for regional and global security.
A Crossroads for European security
Kristersson stressed that the outcome of the war will have a generational impact on the security of the entire continent. He explained:
“How the war against Ukraine will end affects and shapes the security in the entire Europe for several generations. We take this very, very seriously.”
His comments underscore the urgency with which European states must approach the conflict—not only as a current crisis but also as a defining moment for future peace and stability.
Urgent call for a dramatic military buildup
Highlighting the need for swift action, Kristersson noted that the countries at the summit agree on the necessity of an accelerated military strengthening across Europe. He stated:
“There will have to be a dramatic build-up. Both to meet Ukraine’s needs, and to meet European needs, after some form of peace in Ukraine.”
This call to action follows Denmark’s announcement of a new defense commitment (read more here), with the country now set to invest 3 percent of GDP in defense—a signal of shifting priorities in the region’s security framework.
Defining sustainable peace with Ukraine
During discussions led by French President Emmanuel Macron, European leaders examined the dual challenges of continued support for Ukraine and establishing a lasting peace. Kristersson emphasized Ukraine’s central role in these negotiations, asserting:
“Ukraine should be included in defining the terms of peace.”
He further elaborated:
“Ukraine has warned against a sudden ceasefire that would only give Russia room to regroup and come back again against Ukraine or against other countries. The peace must be sustainable over time and therefore Ukraine must be involved in defining the terms for peace.”
This perspective highlights the belief that a secure and lasting resolution to the conflict must be built on Ukraine’s active participation.
