Sweden may agree to supply Gripen aircraft to Ukraine after joining NATO

Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson said this in an interview with Kyiv Independent on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.

Stockholm previously stated that it would consider the issue of supplying Gripen fighters to Ukraine only after the country joins NATO. “For us to make a decision, we have to be full-fledged members of NATO and be part of Article 5. This is also a decision that has to be done in collaboration with others," Jonson said.

"Ukraine needs fourth-generation and fifth-generation fighter aircraft. If we, one way or another, we can help you (Ukraine), we are open to that," the minister added.

Jonson emphasized that allied efforts are currently focused on supplying Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets. Countries like the Netherlands, Denmark, Belgium, and Norway have pledged to donate some of their F-16s to Ukraine."But if we can assist in any way, we are glad to look into it as well,” said the Swedish Defense Minister.

• On February 15, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke at the opening of the international exhibition Crossroads: Sweden – Ukraine through a 1000 years, where he said that Russia should be taught to respect others and seek peace.