To continue supporting Ukraine, a lot of defense investment is needed. To keep the armed forces up to standard, money would need to be added, according to Minister Kasja Ollongren: “It can’t be the case that the ministry has to wait every four years for a budget.” Too much time is wasted if you have to wait so long for the budget, says Ollongren. He also mentions that too much precious time is wasted in other European countries.
Roll China
Ollongren says he is closely monitoring China’s position in the conflict. “As long as China balances and doesn’t emphatically opt for Russia and don’t supply weapons, I always prefer it.” That is why Ollongren also believes it is important that China continue to make peace proposals, even if they do not come close to what could be a solution for Ukraine. Therefore he warns that we should not be too naïve.