At the military base in Uppsala, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson, during which important agreements were reached on the delivery of Gripen fighter jets.
The Head of State thanked Sweden for its consistent support for Ukraine and for protecting human life.
“It is precisely this kind of determination, like Sweden’s, that brings peace closer. And we would very much like some of our other partners – Ukraine’s partners – to be just as consistent, just as principled, and to contribute to the extent they are truly able,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted.
Ulf Kristersson emphasized that the Armed Forces of Ukraine demonstrate extraordinary resilience and determination in defending their country and its values.
The President thanked Sweden for a new support package worth USD 2.7 billion. In particular, it includes almost USD 400 million for drone production, but most importantly – the Gripens, Swedish multirole fighter aircraft.
“We reached an agreement in December. And today, we already have a decision on combat aviation. Swedish fighter jets that will definitely strengthen our air fleet and our air defense. More than USD 2 billion in support from this package is specifically for the aircraft. We expect to receive the first capabilities – the first Gripens – within the next ten months,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.
The President noted that the Gripens will arrive in Ukraine with a corresponding weapons package, which will help defend against Russian guided aerial bombs. According to the Head of State, this refers to a squadron of Gripen fighter jets for our country.
In addition, Ukraine is ready to purchase these fighter jets. In particular, EUR 2.5 billion from a EUR 90 billion European support package for Ukraine is planned to be allocated for this purpose.
The Prime Minister of Sweden emphasized that Ukraine will gradually procure around 150 Gripen fighter jets, including new modifications.
“Ukrainian pilots have already flown the Gripens and told us that this is a very significant change for Ukrainian air defense,” Ulf Kristersson said.
During the meeting, the Head of State informed the Prime Minister of Sweden about the situation on the battlefield and defense against Russian strikes. According to the President, Russia continues to rely more on missiles and the killing of people at the front than on diplomacy, and this must be changed.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that it is essential to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense today, above all protection against Russian ballistic threats. The Head of State said he had sent a letter to the President of the United States and the United States Congress on the importance of supplying Patriot systems and missiles to them.
Ukraine will also work with European partners on anti-ballistic defense, including within the NB8 format. Preparation for the relevant summit in June is ongoing.
The President also thanked Sweden for its sanctions steps against Russia and its principled support for Ukraine’s European integration. Our country is counting on the opening of negotiation clusters in the very near future.
