Sweden says it’s 'not ruling out' sending peacekeeping troops to Ukraine when peace in place

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) - Sweden on Monday signaled that it would not rule out deploying peacekeeping troops to Ukraine if necessary, following British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's announcement that the UK was prepared to send forces to help maintain stability.

This came ahead of a crucial meeting in Paris, where European leaders are set to discuss US President Donald Trump’s plans to initiate direct negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin on ending the war in Ukraine. Trump's approach has raised concerns among European allies about the future security of the region.

Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard emphasized the importance of securing a lasting peace that upholds international law and safeguards Ukraine's sovereignty.

"We must first now negotiate a fair and sustainable peace that respects international law, that respects Ukraine and that ensures above all else that Russia can't just withdraw and regroup and attack Ukraine or another country within a few years," Stenergard told Sweden's public broadcaster, Sveriges Radio.

She added that once such a peace agreement is established, Sweden would not rule out contributing troops to maintain stability.

"When we have such a peace in place, it will need to be maintained, and for that, our government is not ruling out anything," she said.

Starmer, in a column published in the Daily Telegraph late Sunday, reinforced the UK’s commitment to Ukraine, stating that his government was willing to send troops if required.

"Any role in helping to guarantee Ukraine's security is helping to guarantee the security of our continent and the security of this country," he wrote.