Sweden has announced a historic donation of 16 Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine, with deliveries expected in early 2027. The announcement came during a visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to an airbase in Uppsala, north of Stockholm, where he stood alongside Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. The donated aircraft are part of Sweden's existing fleet, and the two countries have also signed a long-term agreement for Ukraine to purchase up to 150 of the latest Gripen E models, with initial deliveries of 20 jets targeted for 2030.
Strengthening Ukraine's Air Defence
Prime Minister Kristersson described the decision as historic, stating that it significantly bolsters Ukraine's air defence capabilities. The Gripen jets can be equipped with powerful European-made Meteor air-to-air missiles, enhancing their combat effectiveness. Zelenskyy expressed hope that financing for all the aircraft would be secured, underscoring the importance of the deal for Ukraine's defence against Russian aggression.
US Support for Air Defence Missiles
Meanwhile, US congressmen have backed Zelenskyy's calls for additional air defence missiles. Senator Richard Blumenthal and Representative Jim Himes, both Democrats, met with Zelenskyy in Kyiv and voiced expectations of a positive US response. Himes noted that conversations in Washington have been complicated by the US involvement in the Persian Gulf, but stressed that the conflict there must end to free up resources for Ukraine. At the United Nations, the US delivered unusually harsh criticism of Russia, demanding an end to threatened systematic strikes against Kyiv and condemning the recent use of the Oreshnik ballistic missile as a dangerous escalation.
EU Diplomatic Stance
EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas asserted that the dynamics of the war are shifting in Ukraine's favour, despite Russia's lack of genuine interest in peace. She emphasised that Europe would never be a neutral mediator, as it stands firmly with Ukraine. Kallas outlined prerequisites for peace negotiations, including an unconditional ceasefire, an end to Russian sabotage and cyber-attacks, and no legal recognition of occupied Ukrainian territory.
Continued Ukrainian Strikes and Incidents
Ukraine reported another strike on a Russian oil refinery at Tuapse on the Black Sea, causing fire and smoke. In a separate incident, a drone hit a residential building in Romania's city of Galati, near the Ukrainian border, injuring two people. Additionally, three oil tankers off Turkey's Black Sea coast were attacked by drones; the ships are part of Russia's shadow fleet evading sanctions. No immediate claim of responsibility was made, but Ukraine has previously conducted successful strikes on Russian shipping.
