Russian aggression against Ukraine and the EU’s strategic compass in focus at EU Defense Ministers meeting

EU Defense and Foreign Ministers have come together to adopt the EU’s Strategic Compass, which aims to provide direction and guidance for EU security and defense cooperation over the next five to 10 years.

The Strategic Compass strengthens the European Union’s security and defense cooperation and contributes to Europe taking greater responsibility for its security, while strengthening our cooperation with partners. Defense Minister Peter Hultqvist says it gives us direction for the next few years and is important, especially in light of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.

The EU’s strategic compass is also expected to be discussed at the European Council meeting on March 24-25.

Defense ministers meeting on Russian aggression against Ukraine

The European Union Defense Ministers devoted their meeting to the Russian aggression against Ukraine. In connection with the meeting, an informal meeting was also held via video link with the Minister of Defense of Ukraine Oleksiy Reznikov.

Sweden strongly condemns Russia’s unjustified aggression against Ukraine. Peter Hultqvist says the Russian invasion of Ukraine is a flagrant violation of international law and the European security system.

The Minister of Defense stated that the European Union had shown evidence of unity and action during the ongoing crisis, including through the decision on the use of the European Peace Facility as a tool to supply arms to Ukraine.

The Swedish government’s actions in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24 focused on three areas; To demand sanctions against Russia, support for Ukraine and the strengthening of Sweden.