Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson on Friday attended a ceremony in Latvia, marking his country’s first deployment of troops to a NATO member since joining the alliance last year.
“Swedish soldiers are now an important part of NATO’s deterrence and defence,” said Kristersson.
Some 500 Swedish troops have been stationed at the Ādaži military base near Riga since January, part of a Canadian-led NATO brigade made up of 3,500 from 13 member states protecting the alliance’s eastern flank.
Sweden abandoned its long-help policy of non-alignment after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, joining NATO in March 2024.
In December, the Swedish parliament approved the deployment to Latvia, which borders Russia and its ally Belarus.
“Almost a year ago, I was in Brussels to witness the Swedish flag being raised for the first time at the NATO headquarters,” said Kristersson. “Today is an equally historic day as we mark Sweden’s first substantial contribution to NATO’s practices.”
The Swedish soldiers were welcomed at the military base by Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa.
“I am glad we stand shoulder to shoulder today here,” said Siliņa. “Our enhanced cooperation sends a good deterrence message.”
Latvia views the Russian war in Ukraine as a direct threat to its national security. “We are increasing our readiness for any threats,” the prime minister said.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (L) talks to soldiers stationed in Adazi. For the first time since joining NATO, Sweden has stationed its own soldiers in another NATO member state. To better protect Nato’s eastern flank and deter Russia, the Nordic country has deployed around 500 soldiers to Latvia, who have been integrated into the multinational Nato task force in the Baltic state. Alexander Welscher/dpa
