Stockholm (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Sweden’s Defence Minister Pal Jonson announced the largest aid to donate to Ukraine so far, worth $1.23 billion.
This will be Sweden’s 18th package since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. The details of the aid package, however, have not been fully announced, but it is bound to consist of many different types of military equipment and assistance meant to strengthen Ukraine’s defence. The Swedish government is now negotiating with suppliers in Sweden and Europe to first prioritize equipment like artillery and drones.
how has Sweden supported Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in 2022?
Sweden has been providing Ukraine with serious military aid for the past years, amounting to around 22.2 billion Swedish crowns, or around $2.13 billion, before this current package. Prior packages have included advanced weapon systems, bullets, and other military equipment. In addition to this emergency support, Sweden has agreed on a three-year military aid program of 75 billion Swedish crowns, around $6.5 billion, for the years 2024–2026 to guarantee continued funding for Ukraine in this critical period.
Sweden’s support is part of a larger coalition of countries assisting Ukraine in response to Russian aggression. The commitment underscores Sweden’s role in European security and its alignment with NATO objectives, even as it continues its application for NATO membership.
Sweden and Ukraine have strengthened their cooperation strongly, especially in defence-related sectors, in light of the ongoing conflict with Russia. A bilateral cooperation agreement is to be signed between Ukraine and Sweden intended for the initiation of joint projects in the defense industry. The cooperation would involve the production of priority defence systems, such as air defence capabilities and long-range weapons. The discussions have made emphasis on the collaboration on munitions and armoured vehicles, mainly the Swedish CV-90 infantry fighting vehicle.
