Ulf Kristersson: We are keeping the most dangerous prisoners

TALLINN - Sending Swedish prisoners to Estonia is part of the practical and security cooperation between the two countries, said Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal during a meeting, the daily Postimees reports.

According to Kristersson, the arrival of prisoners in Estonia is a matter of practical cooperation between the two countries aimed at alleviating overcrowding in Swedish prisons, but decisions are made independently in each country.

"We do not interfere in any way with Estonia's internal decisions. Of course, the principle is the same as we have in Sweden: we make our decisions, and Estonia makes its own. If we are in a situation where we can help each other, then I believe our main goal and instinct is to do just that," said the Swedish prime minister.

The Estonian public has expressed concern and political opposition to the plan to receive the prisoners, but Kristersson emphasized that the inmates to be sent to Estonia are not among the most dangerous.

"We are keeping the most dangerous ones. These prisoners [to be brought to Estonia] are not meant to move around freely; they must be behind lock and key in prison. The numbers are clearly stated in the agreement, and we have no other plans. We are very transparent about this," he affirmed. "I see this as a good form of cooperation that emphasizes the close security ties between our two countries."

According to Michal, the agreement to receive the prisoners is part of a security partnership. "When your partner has a problem, such as housing prisoners, it means that we also share security with each other," he said.

"All decisions related to the transfer of prisoners will be made publicly and also discussed by the Riigikogu (Estonian parliament). A very thorough background check will be carried out, involving the security services. They do their job well," he noted.

Michal added that the project helps keep Tartu Prison operational and strengthens internal security. "People will get jobs there, and this increases our domestic security capabilities. These questions have been asked and answered dozens of times, but if necessary, we will answer them a hundred more times," he said.

Security was also a topic at the prime ministers' meeting, and Michal said that Sweden's support was felt in September when Russian fighter jets violated Estonian airspace. He said that Estonia and Sweden share the view that Russia is a threat to peace and stability throughout the region.

"We will continue to support Ukraine politically, militarily, and financially. Estonia is committed to giving Ukraine 0.25 percent of its GDP annually; this year, it has been 0.3 percent. Sweden's decision to allow Ukraine to use Gripen fighter jets is a real game-changer. Only consistent pressure will bring about lasting change. The sanctions are working, so we must move forward quickly with the next package," Michal said.

The Swedish prime minister said that Estonia serves as an example regarding defense spending. "Currently, your defense spending is about five percent of GDP, and we plan to reach that level as well. We are not naive about Russia or its intentions, and we stand firmly in solidarity with our friends," Kristersson said, confirming that the two countries are also cooperating closely in the fight against Russia's shadow fleet.

"As neighbors, we are working together to disrupt the activities of the shadow fleet. I am convinced that Sweden, Estonia, and the entire European Union must prepare for the long-term isolation of Russia. This will not end with this war," he said.

Kristersson noted that the Baltic Sea has never been under as much pressure as it is today. "But at the same time, it has also never been as well protected through such close cooperation as it is now, which naturally bothers the Russians. This is clearly our sea, and we are keeping an eye on it," the Swedish prime minister said.