UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson promises to back Sweden and Finland with whatever they request, even militarily, if they ever come under attack

The PM signed a mutual defence agreement with both countries.

The deal comes as both Sweden and Finland consider joining NATO in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The specific form of assistance has not been revealed, but Johnson says aid would be dictated by the “request of the other party”.

Speaking in a press conference with Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson, Johnson says “The war in Ukraine is forcing us all to make difficult decisions.”

“But sovereign nations must be free to make those decisions without fear or influence or threat of retaliation.”

u.k prime minister boris johnson

“This is an agreement that enshrines the values that both Sweden and the UK hold dear, and which we will not hesitate to defend”. 

“It will allow us to share more intelligence, bolster our military exercises and further our joint development of technology.”

Finland and Sweden are both on the cusp of joining Nato, and thus ending decades of neutrality.

In response to fears the move could incite Russian aggression, Finish president Sauli Niinistö says Russia is responsible for the actions they are taking.

“My response would be that ‘you caused this – look at the mirror'” he says.