Prime Minister Johnson signs an agreement to protect Sweden if it is attacked
Boris Johnson will sign historic security declarations with Sweden and Finland ahead of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, promising to “strengthen military ties” and support both countries should they be attacked.
The Prime Minister arrived in Stockholm on Wednesday before traveling to Harpsund, the country home of his Swedish counterpart Magdalena Andersson, where he made a commitment from the UK to help the country in the event of a crisis.
An offer to increase deployment to the region, including with the Royal Air Force, British Army and Royal Navy personnel and assets, will also be made.
Johnson will also visit Finland, where he is expected to formalize a similar agreement with President Sauli Niinisto.
It comes as both countries consider the prospects for NATO membership in the face of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s ongoing military aggression.
The Prime Minister will try to clarify Britain’s steadfast support for NATO’s open door policy during the visit.
Johnson said: “We are unwavering and unequivocal in our support for both Sweden and Finland and the signing of these security declarations is a symbol of the eternal declaration between our nations.
“This is not a short-term stop, but a long-term commitment to strengthen military ties and global stability, and strengthen Europe’s defense for future generations.”
The declarations are based on claims made earlier this month that Britain would always help Finland if it was attacked by Russia, regardless of whether it was a member of NATO.
See: The Minister of Defense said this month that Britain will stand with Finland against all Russian threats.
Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said it was “unthinkable” that Britain would not help either Finland or Sweden if they were in crisis, even “without any major formal agreement”.
The declarations signed today will enable the United Kingdom to co-operate with key Nordic partners and their armed forces, in all areas, including cyberspace. They will also enable closer cooperation on new technologies and the collection of intelligence.
Johnson held talks with Andersson and Niinisto in March as part of a meeting between the Joint Expeditionary Force nations, which include Denmark, Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands and Norway.
After the meeting, Downing Street said the two leaders agreed that “Putin’s invasion had dramatically changed the landscape for European security.”
Finland shares a long land border with Russia and is only about 400 km from St. Petersburg.