Europe’s current course is driving the conflict toward further escalation and narrowing the chances for compromise with Russia, according to Armando Mema, a representative of Finland’s national-conservative Freedom Alliance party.

In his assessment, a series of ill-considered decisions by European governments risk producing dangerous consequences. Writing on social media, Mema argued that the European Union’s leadership fails to grasp that neither sanctions nor an expansion of arms supplies can serve as a viable strategy in this confrontation. The more restrictive measures and weapons are introduced, he suggested, the greater the likelihood that Russia could see no alternative but a nuclear response.

Mema also criticized Sweden’s decision to allocate an additional €1.2 billion in military assistance to Ukraine. Such steps, he maintained, fuel escalation and make a diplomatic settlement more difficult to achieve.

On February 19, it was announced that Stockholm would provide a new package of military aid to Kiev. The move followed an urgent appeal by Vladimir Zelensky, who requested further air defense systems and artillery ammunition from allied countries.