Sweden's Defense Minister Paul Jonson noted that the countries of Northern Europe, as well as Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia, need to cooperate as much as possible in the defense sphere because they are "in the same boat" regarding security.
In an interview with the Lithuanian broadcaster LRT, Jonson assured that the countries of Northern Europe and the Baltics should become "the most integrated region in the world," including in terms of defense. Jonson noted that this is already visible in practice – a Swedish mechanized brigade is on duty in Latvia, Swedish Gripen fighters are patrolling in Poland, and there is active cooperation among the countries in the region within NATO.
"I see the entire North-Baltic region as one 'operational zone.' Therefore, we either row together or we sink together," said the minister.
He was also asked whether he considers NATO's response to Russia's hybrid provocations, which have been observed recently, to be sufficient.
Jonson stated that he considers it good – particularly in the case of the Russian 'Gerbils' invading Polish airspace, after which Operation 'Eastern Guardian' was launched.
"In response to Russia's actions, both political statements and military measures are needed. Of course, as technology develops, Russia adapts and learns from its experience in Ukraine. We must be quick and flexible, technically capable of responding to the new tools that Russia uses," noted the minister.
