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Sweden promises cash to combat Russia threat

The Local Sweden
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Sweden promises cash to combat Russia threat

Sweden's government has pledged to invest an extra 1.3 billion kronor in the military as Russia ramps up its activities in the Baltic Sea area.

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The move follows intense debate over the country's defense resources since the Ukraine crisis emerged late last year, with both the Alliance and opposition parties promising increased funding for the military.

It is understood that the additional funding announced on Wednesday comes on top of the three billion kronor promised by the Alliance in its election manifesto on Monday, when the Moderates, the Centre Party, The Christian Democrats and the Liberal Party all committed to increasing spending if they are re-elected for another four-year term in office.

According to the Dagens Nyheter newspaper, the new money is specifically intended to give the Armed Forces the opportunity to increase their presence and activity in the Baltic region, where growing numbers of Russian ships and planes have been spotted.

The paper reports that the move will be financed by making savings in other areas.

Shortly after the Swedish government's announcement, Russia and Ukraine agreed to a "permanent ceasefire" in the Donbass region which has seen the bulk of the fighting.

More than 2, 600 people have been killed since the unrest began last year and around a million people have been forced to flee their homes. Previous ceasefires agreed by the two sides have been broken.

Elections take place in Sweden on 14 September.

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