Sweden announces its readiness to increase military aid to Ukraine

The defense ministry reported that the strengthening of cooperation between the countries was discussed by Ukraine’s Deputy Defense Ministers Anatolii Klochko and Valerii Churkin with Swedish representatives during a meeting in Kyiv on March 13.

The Swedish delegation visiting the Ukrainian capital was led by Lieutenant General Karl Göran Mårtensson, Director General of the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV).

It was noted that the parties discussed the current state of implementation of several bilateral arms supply projects, as well as joint projects with other European countries.

According to Mårtensson, it is very important for Sweden to receive feedback on the effectiveness of the weapons already provided to Ukraine, as well as information on what additional assistance official Kyiv requires.

For his part, Ukraine’s Deputy Defense Minister Klochko expressed gratitude to Sweden for its unwavering support in countering Russian military aggression. He also added that the Ukrainian side is ready to expand cooperation for our shared success.

Klochko also informed Swedish partners about Ukraine's priority military needs, including:

• the modernization of military aircraft;
• strengthening air defense.

Additionally, Ukraine’s Deputy Defense Minister Churkin emphasized the need to enhance communication systems on the front lines.

Swedish delegates stressed their commitment to further developing cooperation not only at the intergovernmental level but also between private defense companies, according to Ukraine’s defense ministry.

"Sweden proposed expanding the Memorandum of Cooperation signed earlier with the Ukrainian side, which would provide for ramping up cooperation in several areas," the ministry's press service added.

Sweden's aid to Ukraine

Sweden has been providing Ukraine with support in various areas - humanitarian, financial, military, and political - since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion.

Official Stockholm allocates significant funds through international organizations, supports displaced persons, and delivers humanitarian aid.

In January, Sweden announced its largest military aid package for Ukraine, worth $1.25 billion.

On March 13, the Swedish government stated that the country would purchase Archer self-propelled artillery systems and Arthur radar systems for Ukraine as part of its 18th military aid package.

RBC-Ukraine also reported that Sweden intends to join the Artillery Coalition of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG), which coordinates military support and helps integrate Ukraine’s artillery forces with NATO.

Additionally, on March 13, Sweden announced it would provide Ukraine with over 1.4 billion Swedish kronor ($137.7 million) for reconstruction, development, and urgent humanitarian needs.

This package is Sweden’s largest-ever civil aid program and includes funding for rebuilding destroyed infrastructure, demining efforts, and training healthcare workers.

In February 2024, Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense signed its first contract with a Swedish defense company.