Sweden to Allocate $7 Billion in Military Aid to Ukraine
The Swedish government, in collaboration with the pro-government party "Sweden Democrats", has approved a programme for additional military support to Ukraine amounting to 75 billion kronor ($7.01 billion) over three years. This amount will be evenly distributed over the specified period, according to a statement from the Swedish government.
With this programme, the total military and civilian support from Sweden to Ukraine will exceed 100 billion Swedish kronor (over $9 billion). The military assistance to Ukraine may include the free transfer of defence equipment, financial contributions, and support for the purchase of defence equipment.
"To strengthen Sweden's support for Ukraine, the government and the Sweden Democrats have agreed to implement a framework programme for military support to Ukraine for the years 2024-2026. Sweden will increase its support, with the framework totalling 75 billion Swedish kronor for military aid from 2024 to 2026, with 25 billion Swedish kronor allocated annually," the Swedish government stated.
However, Swedish officials noted that this programme could significantly impact state finances for several years to come, even beyond 2026.
"Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the security situation in Europe is the most serious since World War II. This means that rearmament within the country must continue alongside support for Ukraine. Therefore, the cooperating parties also agree that the support for Ukraine should be implemented in a way that does not undermine Sweden's defence capabilities or hinder other necessary reforms," the Swedish government added.
Swedish Defence Minister Paul Jonson reminded that, following the country's accession to NATO, it would take up to two years to reach the desired capacity to provide more ammunition to Ukraine and strengthen Sweden's own armed forces.
It is worth noting that The Gaze reported that Romania has also approved a new defence package for Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shared this news after a phone conversation with his Romanian counterpart Klaus Iohannis.
During the conversation, President Zelenskyy thanked Romania for its support and personally thanked Mr. Iohannis for confirming his participation in the Peace Summit in Switzerland, as well as for his willingness to encourage other countries to support Ukraine.