Swedish FM says EU should prioritise sanctions, not talks with Moscow

Europe should prioritise strengthening sanctions on Russia rather than pursuing immediate talks with Moscow, Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard said, arguing that President Vladimir Putin is not currently interested in meaningful peace negotiations.

Speaking in an interview with Euronews, Stenergard said pressure on the Kremlin must be increased to change its strategic calculations over the war in Ukraine.

"Sooner or later, we will have to talk to Moscow," Malmer Stenergard said. "But since Putin is not really interested in any serious peace talks, then I think we should focus on changing the calculus to make him interested in that."

She added that any such shift would require a new wave of sanctions and sustained military and financial support for Ukraine.

“They are trying different manoeuvres, but we need to keep our focus where it needs to be, and that is on increasing the pressure on Russia and increasing the support for Ukraine.”

The comments come after Russia’s subdued Victory Day parade in Moscow, where Putin suggested the conflict in Ukraine could be nearing its end while criticising NATO and Western backing for Kyiv.

Stenergard dismissed speculation about potential intermediaries between Kyiv and Moscow, including former German chancellor Gerhard Schröder, saying diplomatic focus should remain firmly on coercive measures.

EU foreign ministers meeting in Brussels on Monday are expected to discuss expanding sanctions lists targeting Russian individuals linked to the deportation and forced adoption of Ukrainian children, as well as new measures related to the Middle East conflict.

Stenergard also noted a shift in tone within EU discussions following the arrival of Hungary’s new government under Prime Minister Péter Magyar, saying cooperation had become smoother.

“There are a lot more smiles in the room nowadays,” she said, adding that Europe now had “better possibilities” to act more quickly and decisively on key geopolitical issues, particularly support for Ukraine.

On the Middle East, she backed stronger EU measures over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and violence in the occupied West Bank, including sanctions targeting Israeli settlers and members of the government.

“We hope we can get the settlers over the finish line. It’s been long overdue,” a senior diplomat said.

By Aghakazim Guliyev