War in Ukraine could end today if Russia withdraws troops - Swedish PM

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, amid discussions on the peace plan for Ukraine, recalled that the war could end today if Russia withdraws its troops and "leaves Ukrainian territory alone."

On his page on X, Kristersson wrote that he had just met with the heads of state and government of the EU. The leaders discussed the work on the peace plan for Ukraine, which was presented in recent days.

The Prime Minister emphasized that it is in Sweden's interests that Russia's aggression against neighboring countries is never beneficial.

"Otherwise, what is happening in Ukraine today may affect one of us in the EU tomorrow," he said.

The head of government also emphasized that while "we in democratic countries are working tirelessly to achieve a sustainable and just peace, Russia bombed the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv again this night." In particular, four people died, and part of the electricity and heating supply was knocked out.

"Don't forget that the war in Ukraine could end today if Russia withdraws its troops and leaves the territory of Ukraine alone," he wrote.

Kristersson said Putin must be forced to sit at the negotiating table, noting that EU and US sanctions are affecting the Russian economy, but pressure on Russia must be stepped up.

"The next step we need to take is to confiscate frozen Russian assets held in bank accounts in European countries. This money should be used to strengthen Ukraine's defenses and to compensate for the damage Russia has caused to Ukraine," the prime minister urged.

Earlier on Monday, European Council President António Costa reported a conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the eve of an informal meeting of EU leaders on peace efforts in Ukraine.