Morgan Johansson
Sources: Great concern at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after Trump's wild statements
Olof Svensson
Updated 18.05 | Published 16.32
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is significantly more concerned about Donald Trump's progress than the government is outwardly showing, according to sources with insight.
The picture is that the situation with Ukraine is escalating and that there is uncertainty about what the US has in mind.
- I think we should keep our cool and focus on what the US is actually doing, not just what they say, says Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard (M).
Donald Trump's statements about Ukraine have caused a great stir. Former Minister of State and Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt (M) states that we have a "savage in Whiite house" and believes that Trump is repeating propaganda directly from Vladimir Putin.
According to sources with insight, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which ultimately handles Sweden's relations with the US, is nervous and concerned about the situation.
- Internally, people are asking themselves whether the US can be trusted. Will Trump sell out Ukraine and will we be able to trust the US in other contexts? Will he take a position that is closer to Russia than the EU. There is great nervousness, says a source.
A concern and a crisis insight
Three weeks ago, the government's concern was about Trump's threat of trade tariffs. The policy and statements from the White House have become increasingly extreme in a short time. One source describes it as the world order since World War II - where the US prioritizes European security policy - is in turmoil.
- The US under Trump no longer sees European and transatlantic security as a priority. China is the main rival. Now we have to take care of that security ourselves, says a Foreign Ministry source and continues:
- There is an awakening that is happening. There is a concern and a crisis insight. Also a feeling of betrayal. At the civil service level but also politically, even if it is not expressed yet. People are caught in the act.
The signal: It is urgent
According to Aftonbladet's informant, the government is more concerned about the development than it is outwardly showing.
- The government has a very cautious strategy. Express as little criticism as possible, even if it believes that what is being said is completely unacceptable. It has put a lot of energy into NATO membership and strengthening the relationship with the US. It does not want to risk anything, says the Foreign Ministry source.
Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard (M) participated in a seminar in the Riksdag on Thursday about Ukraine. In a speech, she said that the Swedish line is clear: it is up to Ukraine when and if peace negotiations can begin and the country must be at the negotiating table.
No savage in the White House
How concerned are you about Trump's rhetoric?
- I think we should keep our cool and focus on what the US is actually doing, not just what they say. They still have tough sanctions against Russia, which is important to continue damaging their war economy, says Malmer Stenergard.
How long can we keep our cool?
- We will keep our cool as long as necessary. My full focus is to strengthen Ukraine for possible negotiations, so that they are also in a position to say no to a bad proposal.
Do you share Carl Bildt's view that we have got a savage in vita huset?
– I do not do that based on the fact that we have to look at what the US is doing and not just what they say. We have a democratically elected leader in the US, just like we have in Ukraine. Now we have to strengthen cooperation in Europe, but also with the US, because it is in our interest.
Wants the government to make a stronger statement
The Social Democrats' foreign policy spokesperson Morgan Johansson believes that Sweden and the EU must make a strong statement against Trump.
– There is a risk that Russia and the US think that they will settle over the heads of Ukraine and Europe. Such a peace agreement will never work, he says.
What should the government do?
– The EU and Britain must increase support for Ukraine and make a strong demand that no negotiations can take place without Ukraine and the EU at the negotiating table. The third is to immediately reject the US demand to seize Ukraine's natural resources.
Have Sweden and the EU been naive in their view of Trump?
– I don't want to comment on that. I was part of a government that had a situation with Trump as president for four years. Our experience from that time is that if you are going to be able to handle an administration of that kind, you have to be prepared to speak plainly.
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