“The prospect of obtaining Swedish Gripens was a central topic of our discussions,” Zelensky stated during a joint press briefing with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson on Saturday.
The move follows the recent endorsement by the United States for Denmark and the Netherlands to supply F-16 fighters to Ukraine.
Sweden, back in June, granted Ukrainian pilots permission to undergo testing on the country’s Gripen jets. However, it was then underscored that these aircraft were integral to Sweden's defense posture. Nevertheless, Zelensky disclosed that Ukrainian pilots have commenced training exercises on these advanced machines.
While Kristersson refrained from commenting on the specifics of the talks, he slammed a recent missile strike by Russia on the Ukrainian city of Chernihiv, resulting in substantial casualties. “This grim incident underscores the pressing need to extend our support to your nation,” he stated.
Further strengthening the Swedish-Ukrainian partnership, both nations formalized an accord that enables Ukraine to begin the production of the Swedish CV90 combat vehicle.
During his stay in Sweden, Zelensky is slated to meet with several prominent Swedish figures, including the Speaker of the Riksdag and the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
Since February last year, Sweden has extended significant military assistance to Ukraine, encompassing tanks and infantry fighting vehicles. Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson recently unveiled a fresh military support package valued at USD 313.5 million, primarily designated for ammunition and spare parts for pre-existing equipment. This boosts Sweden's total aid to Ukraine since the war's onset to USD 1.8 billion.
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Source: PAP