Zelenskyy discusses air defense, Gripen jets with Swedish PM

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held crucial talks with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, focusing on bolstering Ukraine's air defense capabilities against Russian threats.

Zelenskyy emphasized the critical need for air defense, noting Russia's reliance on ballistic missile strikes, combined attacks, and Shahed drones. He stated that effective defense against these tactics is essential to prevent Russia from prolonging the conflict.

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The key issue is, of course, air defense. We see that the Russians rely on ballistic missile strikes, combined attacks, and Shahed drones. Defense against this is key for Russia not to prolong the war.

The leaders explored concrete steps to enhance Ukraine's defenses, with a particular focus on the operational readiness of Swedish Gripen fighter jets. Zelenskyy described this as a "historic strengthening of our air force" and significant economic cooperation in the security sector.

Further discussions involved Ukraine's Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and his Swedish counterpart, Pål Jonson, regarding the next steps for delivering Gripen aircraft. Both sides are actively working to ensure the necessary infrastructure and training are in place for timely deployment.

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This is a historic strengthening of our air force and significant economic cooperation between Ukraine and Sweden in the security sector. It will be effective. We are also working within the framework of the Drone Agreement between Ukraine and Sweden.