Ukraine's Zelensky asks Sweden for Gripen jets in first visit since Russian invasion
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (left) and Swedish PM Ulf Kristersson at a joint press conference in Harpsund, Sweden, on Aug 19.
PHOTO: AFP
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STOCKHOLM - Ukraine has begun discussing with Sweden the possibility of receiving Gripen jets to boost its air defences, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Saturday after meeting Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.
Mr Zelensky’s visit is his first to Sweden since Russia’s invasion in February 2022
“Today we discussed in detail the future steps regarding the possibility of opening the subject of receiving Swedish Gripens,” Mr Zelensky said at a joint news briefing with Mr Kristersson, adding that the topic would be central to his meetings with other Swedish officials.
In June, the Swedish government said it would give Ukrainian pilots the opportunity to test its Saab-made Gripen fighter jet, but it has also said that it needs all its planes to defend Swedish territory.
Mr Zelensky also said on Saturday that Ukrainian pilots had already begun training on the planes.
Mr Kristersson made no mention of Gripens in his remarks but condemned a Russian missile attack on the Ukrainian city of Chernihiv on Saturday that killed seven people and wounded 110.
“It only reinforces the need for us to stand with you in all your struggles,” Mr Kristersson said.
Ukraine and Sweden also signed an agreement that will see Ukraine begin production of Sweden’s Combat Vehicle 90.
Mr Zelensky was also due to meet the speaker of Sweden’s Parliament the Riksdag, the supreme commander of the armed forces, and the leaders of the Nordic country’s main political parties, according to a Swedish government statement.
Sweden has been aiding Ukraine’s war efforts by supplying weapons such as tanks, anti-aircraft systems and armoured Type 90 infantry fighting vehicles.
Swedish Defence Minister Pal Jonson said on Tuesday the government was planning a new US$313.5 million (S$426 million) military support package to Ukraine, consisting mainly of ammunition and spare parts to previously delivered weapon systems.
The package will be Sweden’s 13th to Ukraine since the start of the war, taking the total value of its aid to US$1.8 billion. REUTERS
