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Continued strong support for Ukraine remains Sweden’s top priority, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said on Tuesday ahead of the second day of the NATO summit in Ankara, UATV English reports.
“Continued strong support for Ukraine is our highest priority. For obvious reasons, Ukraine is able to fight thanks to the support of Western countries, and that support must be strengthened. At present, a relatively small number of countries provide the majority of the assistance. Other states also need to increase their contributions,” Kristersson said.
The Swedish prime minister stressed that allies must continue expanding military assistance to help Ukraine defend itself against Russia’s ongoing aggression.
Kristersson also confirmed that Ukraine is acquiring Sweden’s next-generation Gripen E fighter jets.
“We have signed an agreement for the delivery of 16 fighter aircraft. At the same time, we are transferring the same number of used aircraft. In total, we will provide 32 jets, although they will be delivered at different times,” he said.
Commenting on the broader security environment, Kristersson warned that Europe faces a serious security situation and must prepare for multiple possible scenarios involving Russia.
“What will happen with Russia, which does not want to negotiate but is also unable to win the war against Ukraine? I think we need to be fully prepared for many different scenarios regarding Russia,” he said.
His remarks came as NATO leaders continued discussions in Ankara on strengthening allied defense capabilities and sustaining long-term military support for Ukraine. During the summit, Ukraine also signed additional Drone Deal agreements with partner countries, bringing the total number of such defense cooperation agreements to nine.
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