Sweden pledges to provide Ukraine $1.25 billion in military assistance.
Sweden pledges to provide Ukraine $1.25 billion in military assistance.
In the third year of its conflict with Russia, Sweden promised Kyiv military assistance worth 13.3 billion kronor ($1.25 billion) on Wednesday. Kyiv is now dealing with several delays in critical Western military help.
The Nordic nation, which became an official member of NATO in March, will provide a variety of supplies, including as all of its model 302 armored infantry fighting vehicles, Rb 99 medium-range air-to-air missiles, artillery ammunition, and ASC 890 observation planes.
Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch told reporters, “Sweden is supporting Ukraine with its 16th aid package, its largest to date worth 13.3 billion kronor.”
The ASC 890 surveillance aircraft would be especially helpful for Ukraine’s air defense, allowing it “to identify incoming cruise missiles and drones and identify targets both on the ground and at sea,” according to Defense Minister Pal Jonson, who was also present at the press conference via video link.
While Stockholm stated on Tuesday that it has been asked by the air force coalition to wait while they prioritize the introduction of US-made F-16s into the Ukrainian air force, the Swedish company has not ruled out supplying its Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine.
Recent announcements from Sweden include a 650 million kronor aid package to protect Ukraine’s energy supply, which has been the target of Russian strikes, as well as a 75 billion kronor framework package of military and civilian aid to be provided over three years, from 2024 to 2026, to support Kyiv “as long as necessary.”
With these pledges, Sweden has given Ukraine more than 100 billion kronor in aid since Russia invaded the country in 2022, making Kyiv the country’s largest beneficiary.
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