Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Johnson’s Nordic charm offensive
BORIS Johnson has signed security pacts with Sweden and Finland that could see British troops sent to the Nordic nations in the event of a Russian invasion from “21st-Century tyrant” Vladimir Putin.
The prime minister said the agreements would help defend each country as he met leaders in both nations yesterday.
Mr Johnson said the UK would come to Finland’s assistance, including with military support, in the event of an attack on the country.
Asked during a press conference in
Helsinki alongside Finnish president Sauli Niinisto if there would be “British boots on the ground” on Finnish territory during a “possible conflict with Russia”, he said: “I think the solemn declaration is itself clear.
“And what it says is that in the event of a disaster, or in the event of an attack on either of us, then yes, we will come to each other’s assistance, including with military assistance.”
Meeting Swedish prime minister Magdalena Andersson earlier in the day, Mr Johnson said the UK “will not hesitate” to act in the event of an attack on the country.
He said it was “a sad irony” that the security assurance declaration was signed days after marking VE
Day, but was more important than ever under the “grim circumstances” following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February.
Speaking alongside his Swedish counterpart, he said: “The many carcases of Russian tanks that now litter Ukraine, thanks to Swedishdeveloped and British-built NLaws (anti-tank weapons), certainly speak to how effective that co-operation can be.This week, many of us have been paying tribute to the brave men and women who secured victory and peace in Europe 77 years ago.
“It’s a sad irony we’ve been forced to discuss how best to fortify our shared defences against the empty conceit of a 21st-Century tyrant.”