STOCKHOLM, November 20. /TASS/. Normal relations between Russia and Sweden are unlikely to resume in the near future, said Sergey Belyaev, Russia's newly appointed ambassador to Sweden, in an interview with TASS.

"Unfortunately, Sweden is currently an adversarial country to us. It supplies weapons to the neo-Nazi Kiev regime, eagerly enforces anti-Russian sanctions, and has significantly reduced political dialogue," Belyaev remarked. "Given these circumstances, it is evident that normal relations between our countries cannot be restored for the time being."

At the same time, the ambassador stressed that the key to restoring relations is clear: mutual respect, an understanding of each other’s interests, and a willingness to engage in dialogue, rather than imposing ideological beliefs or telling others how to live.

Belyaev also noted that since the start of Russia's special military operation, Swedish authorities and media, acting on directives from Washington and Brussels, have been stoking anti-Russian sentiment among the Swedish public. "In Sweden, a persistent narrative is being promoted about a so-called 'new axis of evil' comprising our country and its allies, alongside the omnipresent 'Russian agents' who are allegedly responsible for everything—from cyberattacks and train accidents to inflation," he said. "There is an unrealistic goal of achieving a strategic defeat of Russia in every sphere—military, political, and economic. The purpose is clear: to justify the confrontational, anti-Russian policies pursued by Western governments, including Sweden, which in reality do not align with the true interests of their people."

The ambassador also highlighted the worsening situation for Russian diplomatic missions in Stockholm. He accused Swedish authorities of unjustly expelling diplomats, denying accreditation renewals for Russian diplomatic staff and their families, and blocking financial transactions. "We respond firmly in each individual case and take appropriate countermeasures," Belyaev said, stressing that "this serves no one’s interests."

"If our countries maintain full diplomatic relations, why make life more difficult for each other? Diplomatic relations are still ongoing: last year, Sweden replaced its ambassador in Moscow, and this year, as you can see, the Swedish side accepted the arrival of a new Russian ambassador to Sweden," he added.

Belyaev also pointed out that Sweden is suffering economically by rejecting normal relations with Russia. For example, in 2019, 279 cruise ships docked in Swedish ports, but this year, the number was down to no more than 120, a 60% drop. "The reason is simple: foreign tourists are no longer as interested in touring the Baltic Sea without visiting its crown jewel—St. Petersburg. In the past, they also enjoyed the unique charm of Stockholm. Now, Sweden’s tourism industry is facing significant losses, and the capitals of the Baltic are deserted without Russian visitors," the ambassador explained.