'Security situation has changed': Swedish premier voices hesitation over NATO referendum

By Atila Altuntas

STOCKHOLM, Sweden (AA) – Citing Russia’s war on Ukraine, Sweden’s prime minister said on Monday she was hesitant about holding a referendum on her country joining the NATO alliance.

Speaking to TT News Agency, Magdalena Andersson said according to the latest opinion polls, the rate of Swedes who support NATO membership has almost doubled since the Russia-Ukraine war began, from 25% to 49%.

Andersson said she understood the concerns of the people and that Sweden’s security situation in the country changed since Feb. 24, when Russia launched its war on Ukraine.

“It’s understandable that in the current situation, more people are thinking about security issues. The security situation has changed dramatically in the last week,” said Andersson.

"Despite this, I have hesitations about holding a referendum for NATO membership. Not every issue should be brought to the public," she added.

Russian President Vladimir Putin cited NATO expansion as an issue in launching the war. Russia has warned of military consequences if either Finland or Sweden were to join the alliance.

Stating that they will develop security cooperation with the US and neighboring countries, Andersson stated that they will strengthen their defense with the US and Finland due to Russia's aggressive attitude towards Ukraine and European security.

Since Russia began its war against Ukraine on Feb. 24, it has drawn international condemnation, led to financial sanctions on Moscow, and spurred an exodus of global firms from Russia.

At least 406 civilians have been killed and 801 others injured in Ukraine since the beginning of the war, according to UN figures.

More than 1.7 million people have also fled to neighboring countries, the UN Refugee Agency said.