The situation is very serious and the responsibility falls entirely on the Russian political leadership.

This is what Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson (S) says at a press conference on Thursday morning.

Andersson believes that Ukraine's sovereignty must be respected and describes the Russian invasion as unprovoked, illegal and indefensible.

Andersson says that Russia's actions threaten international peace and security and are a blatant violation of international law and the European security order.

"Must withdraw all forces"

- Today began a new and dark chapter in Europe's history.

Russia is invading a European country and threatening a democratic government, says Andersson.

- Sweden condemns the Russian invasion in the strongest possible terms.

Russia must unconditionally withdraw all forces from Ukraine, she says.

Opens for further support to Ukraine

The government is following the development of events and will make the necessary decisions, according to Andersson, who on Thursday evening will participate in the European Council where another sanctions package will be hammered out against Russia.

According to Andersson, the sanctions will go "further and hit harder than ever before".

Andersson also opens up for further support from Sweden to Ukraine, both bilaterally and through the EU. Minister of Defense Peter Hultqvist (S) has been commissioned to prepare decisions so that Sweden can assist Ukraine with further ways to strengthen their resilience.

Hultqvist, like Foreign Minister Ann Linde (S), is strong in his condemnation of the Russian invasion.

- The Swedish Armed Forces is prepared to act individually and together with others if our interests and our country are threatened, right now we are preparing decisions on continued support for Ukraine, says Hultqvist.

- We are facing the most serious security policy situation since the Second World War, says Ann Linde.

At the press conference, Magdalena Andersson was asked whether she excludes that Sweden should contribute defensive weapons to Ukraine, which several opposition parties have demanded.

- Sweden will continue to support Ukraine in several different ways, both financially and materially, Andersson said but without giving a straight answer to the question.

The call: Be vigilant

The Prime Minister turned to the Swedish people and called for great vigilance for attempts at disinformation:

- All Swedes should stay informed, but also be aware of who the sender is and why the information is spread.