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The Prime Minister pledged to support the countries if they come under attack as he sought to bolster European security in the face of threats from Russia. Moscow has issued a series of warnings to countries on the continent, directly threatening Sweden and Finland with invasion.<\/p>\n
Mr Johnson said the signing of the new declarations was “a step-change in defence and security cooperation”.<\/p>\n
“These are not a short term stop gap, but a long term commitment to bolster military ties and global stability, and fortify Europe’s defences for generations to come,” he added.<\/p>\n
“This is an agreement that enshrines the values that both Sweden and the UK hold dear, and which we will not hesitate to defend.”<\/p>\n
He continued: “When Europe celebrated VE Day in 1945 – a victory that was of course in no small part ensured by the heroism of the Russian people – we hoped that peace on our continent endure.<\/p>\n
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“Well Putin’s bloodthirsty campaign against a sovereign nation has put an end to that hope.<\/p>\n
“And we face a new reality. But one that we face together.”<\/p>\n
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has forced a rethink of how Sweden Finland safeguard national security.<\/p>\n
Both are expected to join NATO, but both are worried they would be vulnerable while their applications are processed, which could take up to a year.<\/p>\n
The security declaration signed today pledges the UK to help the Nordic countries militarily.<\/p>\n
British armed forces are expected to be deployed to the region more often.<\/p>\n
It is hoped the show of might will make Putin rethink any plans to expand his barbaric military campaign beyond Ukraine.<\/p>\n
Recently British, Swedish and Finnish forces have exercised together across the High North and the Baltics.<\/p>\n
Both nations are part of the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force taskforce, which brings together 10 countries in support of stability and security in the North Atlantic, Baltic Sea Region and the High North.<\/p>\n
Speaking at a press conference this afternoon, Mr Johnson said he would support Sweden if it decided to apply for NATO membership and that the UK would continue to stand by the country.<\/p>\n
“I’m sure the UK will support whatever of course of action Sweden decides to embark upon and we’ll be as useful and supportive as we can,” he said.<\/p>\n
Swedish prime minister Magdalena Andersson said her country would be safer as a result of the mutual assistance agreement with the UK.<\/p>\n
She said: “Are we safer with this declaration? Yes we are. Of course this means something. This is important whatever policy choice we make in Sweden.”<\/p>\n