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Alsharq Tribune-M.Essam
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson on Sunday criticized recent U.S. actions in Venezuela and what he described as "threatening rhetoric" toward Denmark and Greenland, warning that such moves undermine international law and increase risks for smaller countries.
Kristersson made the remarks at the annual Swedish security policy conference in the western resort town of Salen, saying the international environment has become more dangerous and unpredictable.
Describing the U.S. action related to Venezuela as a breach of international law, he warned that the precedent could encourage similar actions and further disrupt the international order.
Referring to the U.S. rhetoric toward Denmark and Greenland, Kristersson said Washington should instead show gratitude toward Denmark as it has been a longstanding ally. He also pledged Swedish support for Denmark.
He voiced concern about the status of small countries in the current global situation. "There is a risk that small countries will be sacrificed along the way. For a country like Sweden, this is especially serious," he said.
Also addressing the conference, Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf said that, given the serious situation in Europe and the world, different parts of society must come together to discuss the challenges ahead, with the aim of creating a better world where stable nations can live in peace.
During the security conference organized by Swedish civic defense organization Folk och Forsvar, Peter Hultqvist, former defense minister and current chair of the Swedish Parliamentary Defence Committee, called for stronger governmental initiative on the Greenland issue.
On Jan. 3, the United States aggressively struck Venezuela and kidnapped President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, before putting them in custody in New York. The move sparked widespread international condemnation, with critics describing it as a violation of Venezuela's sovereignty and international law.
Since taking office in January 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in acquiring control of Greenland, stating that he would not rule out the use of "military or economic coercion" to achieve that goal. Last month, Trump appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as U.S. special envoy to Greenland, renewing diplomatic tensions between Washington and the Danish Realm. Trump said in a recent interview that the United States "absolutely" needs Greenland.
