Relations between Russia and Sweden are at zero – Kommersant
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March 16 marks the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and Sweden. As explained at the Russian Embassy, it is considered “inappropriate” to separately celebrate this date in the current circumstances.
“At the moment, relations between Russia and Sweden are practically at zero,” they said ”b” at the Russian Embassy in Sweden. “There are no contacts at the official level.” The diplomatic mission added that the blame for what happened lies on the Swedish side.
The day before, the Russian Embassy in Sweden published a post in Telegram-channel, which says that Stockholm prefers “instilling Russophobia in the interests of fictitious Western solidarity” to partnership with its largest eastern neighbor. However, in the same post, diplomats expressed hope that Sweden “will be able and willing to restore good neighborly relations with Russia, despite the harsh anti-Russian propaganda in its so-called independent, externally controlled media.”
Official contacts between Russia and Sweden came to naught after the start of the Northeast Military District in Ukraine. Then Stockholm sharply condemned Russia’s actions, suspended bilateral projects and joined the supply of weapons to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
On May 18, 2022, Sweden applied for NATO membership. The Russian Foreign Ministry considered such a decision a threat to the security of Russia and stated that it would entail retaliatory steps of both a military-technical and other nature. On February 26 of this year, Sweden’s application to join the alliance was approved by Hungary, the last country in NATO, which all this time blocked the ratification of Sweden’s membership. On March 7, Sweden became a full member of NATO.
During the announcement of his February address to the Federal Assembly this year, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that in connection with the accession of Sweden and Finland to NATO, Russia plans to seriously strengthen the Russian Armed Forces in the western direction.
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