Sweden promises to consider Ukraine's request for Gripen fighter jets

Pål Jonson shared the information on February 15 in Brussels in the run up to a meeting of NATO defense ministers, reports European Pravda.

"Yes. Of course, we are aware (of Ukraine's request). President Zelenskyy has also asked for it. When it comes to Gripen, we are currently facing restrictions since this aircraft is crucial for maintaining our territorial integrity and sovereignty. So this will be a serious obstacle in terms of our national defense resources," the defense minister said.

Pål Jonson added that strengthening Ukraine's air defense is currently a priority for Sweden.

“I had an opportunity to discuss this yesterday with the Ukrainian Minister of Defense, Mr. Reznikov. We are also cooperating with other countries to strengthen air defense,” he said.

• On January 31, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda supported the delivery of fighter jets and long-range missiles to Ukraine, emphasizing that they were important assistance at this stage of the war.

• Former Pentagon Secretary Mark Esper also called on the US to provide Ukraine with fighter jets and long-range missiles as soon as possible.

• Poland has declared its readiness to provide Ukraine with its F-16 fighter jets if it is agreed upon at the NATO level.

• Ukraine has submitted an official request to the Netherlands for the supply of F-16 fighters. However, the issue is still under discussion.

• French President Emmanuel Macron said that Ukraine "in no case" would receive the fighter jets "in the coming weeks."

• After Ukraine's official request, Slovakia may start negotiations with the European Commission on the terms of the MiG-29 transfer to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

• US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said at a press conference following the meeting of the Ramstein contact group that the focus of the meeting was to understand the whole picture of the weapons being provided to Ukraine. He claimed that there were no announcements on fighter jets supply at the moment.