Russia should be judged by its action, not statements: Sweden Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard

Sweden's Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard has called the US criticism of Europe's defence spending "legitimate" and said Sweden has doubled its defence spending in the last four years. On the phone call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, she said Russia should be judged by its actions, not by its statements. Stenergard, who is in India for the Raisina Dialogue, spoke to Shubhajit Roy. Excerpts: Sweden became a member of NATO last year Russia would view this as a provocation. How do you counter that? First of all, Russia is easily provoked. Every country has…