Strengthening the Ukrainian combat aircraft fleet with Swedish "Gripens" - Zelenskyy met with the King of Sweden in Lviv
Kyiv • UNN
Sweden has allocated 4 billion to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine and is discussing the transfer of Gripen aircraft. The parties also agreed on humanitarian aid and energy resilience.
In Lviv, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, who visited Ukraine for the second time since the restoration of our independence and for the first time since the beginning of Russian aggression. His Majesty was accompanied by a government delegation, UNN reports with reference to the OP.
The Head of State thanked His Majesty for his visit to Ukraine and for supporting our people since the very beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion.
Indeed, Sweden is one of the five largest donors supporting our Armed Forces and our population. And for this year alone, 2026, Sweden has approved 4 billion in support. This is very significant support for us, for our defense, for the resilience of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The King of Sweden emphasized that Ukraine is a very important country for Europe, and support for Ukrainians among Swedish society is very strong.
The President separately noted the discussion with Sweden about the possibility of strengthening Ukraine's Air Force, particularly with "Gripen" aircraft.
Zelenskyy emphasized: Ukraine is interested in a long-term and mutually beneficial partnership that will strengthen the defense capabilities of both Ukraine and Sweden. Our country is ready to share its experience and technologies with Sweden and expand cooperation in the defense-industrial sphere. The President spoke about relevant agreements with countries in the Middle East and the Gulf region, and European countries – Germany, Norway, Italy, and the Netherlands.
The continuation of support in the humanitarian sphere was also discussed. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to Her Majesty Queen Silvia for supporting humanitarian programs through the Childhood Foundation, including the Bring Kids Back UA initiative and the program of Ukraine's First Lady Olena Zelenska on school nutrition reform.
Queen Silvia helps with this, Her Majesty is in constant contact with the First Lady of Ukraine. And indeed, we have such special relations with Sweden.
In addition, energy assistance was also discussed. In terms of financial contributions to the Energy Support Fund of Ukraine, Sweden is second in Europe. The President noted that our country is already preparing for the next winter and will be grateful for further assistance from Sweden.