Swedish PM Vows to Raise Military Spending Substantially

Sweden's Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson speaks to the press as she arrives for an emergency European Union summit at the European Council Building, on the situation in Ukraine after Russia launched an invasion, in Brussels, on Feb. 24, 2022. John Thys/Pool via Reuters

STOCKHOLM—Sweden’s defense needs to be increased significantly as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has seen the security situation in Europe deteriorate, the government said on Thursday, vowing to raise military spending to 2 percent of GDP as soon as possible.

“Today, we present a new initiative with a clear message to the Swedish people and to the world around us. Sweden’s defense capability must be greatly strengthened,” Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson told a news conference.