Sweden considering Ukraine's request Gripen fighter jet supplies

Swedish Minister for Defence Pal Jonson has said that Sweden received a request from the Ukrainian side to get Gripen fighters, but so far there are restrictions associated with such assistance.

Jonson made the remarks before a meeting of NATO defence ministers in Brussels on February 15 while answering a question from a European Pravda journalist.

"Of course, we know [about Ukraine's request], President Zelenskyy also asked for this. When the matter rests in Gripen, we are now facing limitations because these aircraft are very important for maintaining our territorial integrity and sovereignty. Therefore, this will be a big obstacle in terms of our national defence resources,” he said.

The minister clarified that now the priority for Stockholm is to strengthen Ukraine’s air defence.

 “Yesterday I had the opportunity to discuss this issue with Ukrainian Minister of Defence Oleksii Reznikov. We are also working with other countries to increase air defence support,” he noted.

Jonson noted that Sweden, which has already sent military aid worth about one billion euros ($1.072 billion), is ready to increase it.

“We are greatly increasing our support for Ukraine. We will begin to train the Ukrainian military to use more than 50 CV-90 combat vehicles next week. We send various air defence systems, and winter clothing, and are determined to strengthen support for Ukraine,” he added.