As a Swede under NATO: Jonson urged Europe to change its mentality because of Russia

Recent incidents involving the intrusion of UAVs and aircraft into NATO airspace have shown that Russia is ready to take risks, so Europe needs to take new military steps. This was stated in an interview with RND by Swedish Defense Minister Paul Jonson.

"Russia is ready to take political and military risks and strengthen its hybrid operations. Therefore, we must counteract and strike back. We must take new military steps to counter Russian escalation — whether it's against hybrid operations or against violations of our airspace," said Jonson, quoted by "Время.иа ".

According to him, it is necessary to make it clear to Russia that any provocation will be answered.

"Russia should know that if an enemy warship or combat aircraft enters our airspace or our waters, we will be forced to drive it away — and, if circumstances require it, shoot it down," the Swedish minister said.

He added that in order to preserve peace in Europe, "we must prepare ourselves both mentally and militarily for the possibility of war."

"A change of mentality is necessary: we must go into war mode in order to resolutely deter, protect and preserve peace. Russia is constantly testing our unity and our determination. But Putin will not succeed," he stressed.

As EADaily reported, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth appealed to NATO countries to increase purchases of American weapons for Ukraine. The reason was a decrease in the volume of military aid to Kiev in July and August, Reuters reports.

According to the report of the Institute of World Economy in Kiel, the volume of support for Ukraine decreased by 43% compared to the first half of the year. Now most of the help comes through the PURL program. Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Latvia, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden have already joined the initiative.