Sweden commits $1.25 billion in military assistance to Ukraine
- In Reports
- 04:15 PM, May 29, 2024
- Myind Staff
Sweden has committed 13.3 billion kronor ($1.25 billion) in military assistance to Ukraine amidst ongoing delays in Western military aid to Kiev, as it grapples with its third year of conflict with Russia.
The aid package from Sweden includes various materials such as ASC 890 surveillance aircraft, Rb 99 medium-range air-to-air missiles, artillery ammunition, and all of its model 302 armoured infantry fighting vehicles.
Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch informed reporters that this marks Sweden's 16th aid package for Ukraine, representing its largest contribution to date, valued at 13.3 billion kronor.
During a press conference conducted via video link, Defense Minister Pal Jonson highlighted the significance of the ASC 890 surveillance aircraft for Ukraine's air defence capabilities. He emphasised that these aircraft would enable Ukraine to identify incoming cruise missiles and drones, as well as targets on both land and at sea.
Despite Sweden's willingness to provide Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine, the air force coalition for Ukraine requested on May 28 that Sweden postpone sending the jets. This decision was made as sending US-made F-16s to the Ukrainian Air Force was deemed to be a higher priority.
In recent days, Sweden has announced its commitment to bolster Ukraine's energy supply by providing a 650-million-kronor aid package. This aid is part of a larger framework consisting of civilian and military assistance worth 75 billion kronor over three years, spanning from 2024 to 2026, with the intention to support Kiev "as long as necessary."
Since the onset of the conflict in Ukraine, Sweden has contributed over 100 billion kronor to aid efforts in the country.
On March 7, Sweden officially became the 32nd member of NATO, marking the end of two centuries of formal non-alignment. This culmination followed two years of intense diplomacy amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The Hungarian parliament's approval of Sweden's bid to join the NATO alliance paved the way for the official accession. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson was in Washington, where he ceremonially presented the ratification paperwork to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, concluding a hard-fought campaign to secure approval from all NATO countries.
Kristersson hailed the accession as "a victory for freedom," emphasising Sweden's sovereign choice to join NATO. In response, Blinken termed the move a "strategic setback" for Russia, noting that "good things come to those who wait."
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg described the occasion as a "historic day" for Sweden, underscoring its "rightful place" in contributing to NATO policies. He emphasised that after over 200 years of non-alignment, Sweden is now afforded the protection of "Article 5," signifying the ultimate guarantee of allies' freedom and security.
Image source: AP
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