lördag 3 maj 2025
Ukraine
Warns of Russian attack – immediately after the end of the war
Then the situation will be “very, very dangerous”
Niclas Vent
Published 2025-05-02 23.04
The Russian attack on the rest of Europe could come directly, if Ukraine is forced into a bad peace.
That's what the Danish defense chief Rasmus Jarlov says to Aftonbladet.
– In that situation, it is more likely that they will attack than that they will not, he says.
Quick version
As long as the war in Ukraine continues, a million armed Ukrainians stand as a shield between Russia and the rest of Europe.
It is if Ukraine is forced to make peace on Russian terms that it will become really dangerous for Europe quickly, argues Rasmus Jarlov. He is chairman of the Danish Defense Committee and a member of the Folketing for the Conservative People's Party, the sister party of the Swedish Moderates.
“If Ukraine is forced to disarm, then I expect a Russian attack on Europe,” says Rasmus Jarlov.
One of Putin's stated war goals is for Ukraine to be “demilitarized.”
Russia has demanded a halt to arms deliveries to Ukraine and a halt to Ukrainian troop mobilization in order to even agree to a 30-day ceasefire.
Rasmus Jarlov is the chairman of the Danish Defense Committee.
1 / 2Photo: Private
"Smart to do it quickly"
- If Russia intends to attack Europe, and there is reason to believe that they do, then it would be smart to do it quickly, says Rasmus Jarlov.
This is because the window in which Russia can have a military advantage is closing.
Europe is rearming, and the Russians, unlike us, cannot afford to maintain their war economy, he says.
- If we spend 4 percent of GDP on defense, it is as if Russia were spending 40 percent, since our economy is ten times larger. Russia cannot maintain the size of forces it would need for a war with Europe over time. If they are building up such forces, it is because they intend to use them, says Rasmus Jarlov.
Russian attack on the city of Zaporizhzhia in Ukraine on May Day.
1 / 2Photo: Kateryna Klochko / AP
“Tempted to attack”
– Russia will be most tempted to attack Europe directly, because time is on our side.
His conclusion is simple: Ukraine must not be defeated under any circumstances.
– That is completely out of the question. We must do whatever it takes to prevent Ukraine from falling, including sending our own troops. I would rather not have to. But ultimately, if Ukraine is about to fall, we must send troops, because if that happens, it would be far too dangerous for Europe, he says.
– Either we support Ukraine now and stop Russia there, or we must stop them on the territory of the European Union later.
Right now, a lot depends on how the United States acts, he says.
“Dangerous situation”
– A lot could still get worse. Right now
it feels like we are only five news cycles away from Trump sending
weapons to Russia, and helping them attack Ukraine. I say that as an
exaggeration, I don't think it will happen. But we cannot rule out that
the US will lift its sanctions against Russia and stop arms deliveries
to Ukraine. Then it will be very bad. It is a very dangerous situation
for the whole of Europe.
Rasmus Jarlov sighs.
– There is
no way that we in Denmark will let Russia attack the Baltic states
without our help. Then we will be at war. Danish soldiers will be sent
to fight and kill Russians. Many will die, and it will be a terrible
situation. So it is very, very dangerous.
All the northern
European military intelligence services agree that the threat from
Russia exists, but have presented slightly different pictures of how
urgent it is.
“Almost no reserves”
The Norwegian Etterretningstjeneste, for example, writes that Russia needs
5–10 years to “fully” realize its expansion of several smaller brigades
into larger divisions, and to establish a new army corps in Karelia.
Several categories of equipment have “almost no reserves” for the next
two years.
However, the Danish Forsvarets Etterretningstjeneste has presented a significantly tighter timeline:
Russia
could be ready for a new local conflict with a neighboring country
within six months of the end of the Ukraine war, and a regional conflict
in the Baltic Sea region after around two years.
Have you received information from them, is that the type of intelligence you are basing yourself on?
– Yes. I think that is a realistic assessment, says Rasmus Jarlov.
–
I am sure that the Russians know that there is no threat to Russia from
Europe. We only want to be able to defend ourselves, there are no
intentions to ever attack or destroy Russia. So when Russia builds up
its military capabilities, it is for offensive operations, not defense.
Trump's USA
The President's Team
Sources: Went behind Trump's back - "wasn't happy"
It wasn't just the chat leaks that made Donald Trump get rid of national security adviser Mike Waltz, sources tell the Washington Post.
Since the administration took office, he has come into conflict with several top White House officials, which has led to growing frustration. What is particularly highlighted is that he is said to have been the driving force in coordinating military strikes against Iran with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu - behind the president's back, according to the sources.
- It reached Trump and the president was not happy with it, says one of them.
Mike Waltz's problems built up over time. Another person who was not happy with him was Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. She felt that he didn't work well with the president, sources say. When he then invited journalist Jeffrey Goldberg into the infamous Signal chat, that was the last straw.
The cuts
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The Trump administration has urged the Supreme Court in the United States to allow Elon Musk's efficiency agency Doge to access sensitive personal data of Americans. This is reported by Politico.
Attorney General John Sauer filed an urgent appeal yesterday that Doge must be given access to data from the Social Security Administration after it was previously blocked by a federal court.
Elon Musk has claimed, with limited evidence, that the agency distributes insurance benefits to dead people and illegal immigrants and that he therefore needs to access the agency's personal information.
At the same time as the Trump administration filed the appeal, 12 lawsuits are pending against Doge. Several of them claim that privacy laws were violated after Doge employees had access to sensitive data, writes Politico.
The conflict with universities
Harvard may challenge Trump: "It is unprecedented"
Harvard claims that the abolition of the university's tax exemption lacks legal support, which is interpreted as the management will challenge the decision. This is reported by the New York Times.
A spokesperson for the prestigious university believes that it is unprecedented and jeopardizes its "ability to carry out its educational mission". It would result in reduced financial aid for students, that some programs would not be able to continue and that innovation would be lost, the spokesperson said.
President Donald Trump claimed on Friday that Harvard's tax exemption is being revoked, but according to the NYT it is uncertain whether the tax authority IRS has taken any steps in that direction. The process would probably be lengthy and under federal law the president cannot order the authority to conduct tax investigations.
Pope Francis 1936–2025
Trump criticized for image as pope: “Offends believers”
Donald Trump is being criticized after publishing an AI-generated image of himself as pope, reports the AP news agency.
The image, in which the American president is wearing a bishop's hat, was published less than two weeks after the death of Pope Francis and is not appreciated by Italy's former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi.
“This is an image that offends believers, insults institutions and shows that the leader of the global right likes to play clown,” he writes in a post on X.
Trump's post has been shared further by the White House, which does not want to comment.
Trump criticized for image as pope: “Offends believers”
Donald Trump is being criticized after publishing an AI-generated image of himself as pope, reports the AP news agency.
The image, in which the American president is wearing a bishop's hat, was published less than two weeks after the death of Pope Francis and is not appreciated by Italy's former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi.
“This is an image that offends believers, insults institutions and shows that the leader of the global right likes to play clown,” he writes in a post on X.
Trump's post has been shared further by the White House, which does not want to comment.
Russian invasion
Minerals agreement
Expert: US mining projects in Ukraine more than a decade away
It will be a long time before the newly signed economic agreement with Ukraine can generate profits for the United States, according to industry experts the Washington Post has spoken to.
Ukraine is not known for the rare earth metals that are most interesting to American industry, and industry representatives see limited opportunities for gas and oil extraction. The gas reserves are in conflict zones, which could make companies reluctant to invest even if a peace agreement were to be reached.
Ashley Zumwalt-Forbes, who was a senior official in Joe Biden's Energy Department, says that mines to extract titanium, graphite and lithium could be built in ten years in a best-case scenario. But the margins are small and it is already difficult to attract investment in countries where security risks are low.
– Imagine how much harder it will be to raise money for activities in Ukraine.
The world's response
Sources: Over 30 billion in Russian assets to go to companies
Over the equivalent of 30 billion kronor in seized Russian assets at Euroclear are expected to go to Western investors who have had assets seized in Russia. This is reported by Reuters, citing sources.
This marks a new level of financial backlash from Europe, the news agency writes. The companies that will receive the money were notified in April, after Euroclear received approval from its domicile Belgium for the payments.
Euroclear is sitting on the equivalent of 100 billion kronor in frozen Russian assets after the sanctions, which were introduced after the invasion of Ukraine.
After a long wait – US approves F-16 deal
The US has approved an agreement with Ukraine that means they can secure the maintenance of the important F-16 fighter jet, reports AFP.
The agreement means that Ukraine can continue to buy personnel training and important aircraft parts worth $310 million, equivalent to approximately SEK 3 billion.
The agreement was presented by Donald Trump's predecessor Joe Biden but has been dormant since Trump took office, until now. Days before the agreement was approved, Ukraine and the United States signed the important mineral agreement.
TOP NEWS
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PAP wins Singapore election for the 14th time
On Saturday, it became clear that the ruling party in Singapore, PAP, will win the election. The party, led by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, will win 87 of the 97 seats in parliament, writes Reuters,
The election result comes as no surprise. The PAP has won 14 consecutive elections and has had a major impact on the political landscape. Critics have pointed out that the party has an unfair advantage in the elections, partly because of its influence over the country's media.
Wong became popular after being responsible for the country's pandemic management. He took over as prime minister last year.
The prime minister went to the election on the grounds that Singapore's trade-dependent economy must be restructured due to unrest in the outside world.
- We are grateful for your strong mandate, says Wong after the victory.
Kashmir conflict
Pakistan test fires missile in escalated situation
Pakistan has test fired the Abdali short-range ballistic missile, TT reports. This is taking place during an ongoing escalation between the country and its rival India.
The purpose of the test firing is to ensure several of the system's technical characteristics as well as operational readiness, according to Pakistan.
Tensions have increased in the disputed Kashmir region in the past week, after a massacre in the part controlled by India. Pakistan has been accused of supporting the perpetrators, which the country denies.
Serbian president acutely ill during a meeting in the US
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic became acutely ill during his visit to the US and returned home earlier than planned, several Serbian media outlets report according to TT.
The illness is said to have occurred during a meeting, but what affected him is unclear. According to the public service company RTS, it was then decided to return to Serbia in consultation with doctors.
55-year-old Vuvic is now admitted to a military hospital in Belgrade.
PAP wins Singapore election for the 14th time
On Saturday, it became clear that the ruling party in Singapore, PAP, will win the election. The party, led by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, will win 87 of the 97 seats in parliament, writes Reuters,
The election result comes as no surprise. The PAP has won 14 consecutive elections and has had a major impact on the political landscape. Critics have pointed out that the party has an unfair advantage in the elections, partly because of its influence over the country's media.
Wong became popular after being responsible for the country's pandemic management. He took over as prime minister last year.
The prime minister went to the election on the grounds that Singapore's trade-dependent economy must be restructured due to unrest in the outside world.
- We are grateful for your strong mandate, says Wong after the victory.
Kashmir conflict
Pakistan test fires missile in escalated situation
Pakistan has test fired the Abdali short-range ballistic missile, TT reports. This is taking place during an ongoing escalation between the country and its rival India.
The purpose of the test firing is to ensure several of the system's technical characteristics as well as operational readiness, according to Pakistan.
Tensions have increased in the disputed Kashmir region in the past week, after a massacre in the part controlled by India. Pakistan has been accused of supporting the perpetrators, which the country denies.
Serbian president acutely ill during a meeting in the US
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic became acutely ill during his visit to the US and returned home earlier than planned, several Serbian media outlets report according to TT.
The illness is said to have occurred during a meeting, but what affected him is unclear. According to the public service company RTS, it was then decided to return to Serbia in consultation with doctors.
55-year-old Vuvic is now admitted to a military hospital in Belgrade.
Political situation in Germany
US in harsh attack on Germany: “Built Berlin Wall”
US Vice President JD Vance is furious that Germany’s intelligence service classifies the right-wing populist party AFD as far-right, several media outlets report.
On X, Vance accuses Germany of having “built a new Berlin Wall”.
“The West tore down the Berlin Wall together. Now it has been rebuilt – not by the Soviet Union or Russia, but by the German establishment”, writes the vice president.
Foreign Minister Marco Rubio also came out in strong terms and called the decision “disguised tyranny”. Germany’s Foreign Ministry responded directly to Rubio’s post and wrote that “this is democracy”, reports AFP.
The climate threat Global challengesUS in harsh attack on Germany: “Built Berlin Wall”
US Vice President JD Vance is furious that Germany’s intelligence service classifies the right-wing populist party AFD as far-right, several media outlets report.
On X, Vance accuses Germany of having “built a new Berlin Wall”.
“The West tore down the Berlin Wall together. Now it has been rebuilt – not by the Soviet Union or Russia, but by the German establishment”, writes the vice president.
Foreign Minister Marco Rubio also came out in strong terms and called the decision “disguised tyranny”. Germany’s Foreign Ministry responded directly to Rubio’s post and wrote that “this is democracy”, reports AFP.
Heat waves increase the risk of fungal infection globally
Rising temperatures as a result of climate change could lead to the spread of “killer fungi” to new areas, writes the Financial Times based on new research. Researchers at the University of Manchester warn that the mold Aspergillus fumigatus, which thrives in warm environments, could eventually cause harm to people in the northern parts of Europe, Asia and North America.
Fungal infections are said to be a factor in five percent of all deaths worldwide, and co-author Norman van Rhijn believes that the situation in 50 years will be “completely different.”
– We’re talking about hundreds of thousands of lives.
Economy
The tariff crisis Trump's tariff policy
Trump on recession concerns: "A transition period"
The US economy took a hit in the first quarter and declined provisionally by 0.3 percent compared to the previous quarter. Now there is increasing concern that Trump's tariff policy could lead to a recession, but he himself continues to claim that the policy will do better for the economy, he tells NBC.
- Everything is okay, he says, pointing out that the decline in the quarter is a "transition period". At the same time, Trump admits that the risk of a recession exists.
Trump on recession concerns: "A transition period"
The US economy took a hit in the first quarter and declined provisionally by 0.3 percent compared to the previous quarter. Now there is increasing concern that Trump's tariff policy could lead to a recession, but he himself continues to claim that the policy will do better for the economy, he tells NBC.
- Everything is fine, he says, pointing out that the decline in the quarter is a "transitional period". At the same time, Trump admits that the risk of a recession exists.
Buffett's investments
Warren Buffett to leave the CEO position at the end of the year
Investor legend Warren Buffett will ask the board to leave his CEO position as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway at the end of the year. He says this in connection with Saturday's annual meeting, CNBC writes.
Instead, he wants the board to appoint his previously designated heir to the throne Greg Abel.
94-year-old Buffett is currently both CEO and chairman of the conglomerate.
The stock market icon promises the thousands of investors at the meeting that he will keep every single Berkshire share.
- It's a financial decision because I think the prospects for Berkshire will be better under Greg's management than mine, he says according to the channel.
Trump on recession concerns: "A transition period"
The US economy took a hit in the first quarter and declined provisionally by 0.3 percent compared to the previous quarter. Now there is increasing concern that Trump's tariff policy could lead to a recession, but he himself continues to claim that the policy will do better for the economy, he tells NBC.
- Everything is okay, he says, pointing out that the decline in the quarter is a "transition period". At the same time, Trump admits that the risk of a recession exists.
Trump on recession concerns: "A transition period"
The US economy took a hit in the first quarter and declined provisionally by 0.3 percent compared to the previous quarter. Now there is increasing concern that Trump's tariff policy could lead to a recession, but he himself continues to claim that the policy will do better for the economy, he tells NBC.
- Everything is fine, he says, pointing out that the decline in the quarter is a "transitional period". At the same time, Trump admits that the risk of a recession exists.
Buffett's investments
Warren Buffett to leave the CEO position at the end of the year
Investor legend Warren Buffett will ask the board to leave his CEO position as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway at the end of the year. He says this in connection with Saturday's annual meeting, CNBC writes.
Instead, he wants the board to appoint his previously designated heir to the throne Greg Abel.
94-year-old Buffett is currently both CEO and chairman of the conglomerate.
The stock market icon promises the thousands of investors at the meeting that he will keep every single Berkshire share.
- It's a financial decision because I think the prospects for Berkshire will be better under Greg's management than mine, he says according to the channel.
Voices about tariffs
Expert: Too early to talk about the death of globalization
Amid the tariff frenzy, there is increasing buzz among stock market leaders about regionalization as the new buzzword. But even though globalization has been toughened up in recent years, it is too early to talk about the death of globalization. This is what Anna Stellinger, head of the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise, tells SvD.
The fact that regionalization has gained ground is both business and political. To reduce vulnerability, companies must have warehouses and production closer to their home markets, she reasons.
– Trump is definitely a reason. But also that people have realized that it is often smarter to work in regions. China is no longer the factory floor of the whole world, she says.
Expert: Too early to talk about the death of globalization
Amid the tariff frenzy, there is increasing buzz among stock market leaders about regionalization as the new buzzword. But even though globalization has been toughened up in recent years, it is too early to talk about the death of globalization. This is what Anna Stellinger, head of the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise, tells SvD.
The fact that regionalization has gained ground is both business and political. To reduce vulnerability, companies must have warehouses and production closer to their home markets, she reasons.
– Trump is definitely a reason. But also that people have realized that it is often smarter to work in regions. China is no longer the factory floor of the whole world, she says.
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