SOCIETY

On site in Kiev, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) promises that aid will continue to flow to Ukraine.
He does not rule out a future decision on fighter jets, but says such assistance will require “international cooperation”.

Kristersson promises that Sweden will continue to support Ukraine – economically, politically and militarily. Later in the month, a decision will be made on further humanitarian aid, he states during a joint press meeting in the Ukrainian capital.

The prime minister emphasized that deliveries are underway, but to a question about when the mentioned Archer systems will be sent to Ukraine, he answers vaguely.

– The obvious answer is as soon as possible. We never talk about exact dates for obvious reasons. There are practical reasons for that too.

He adds that Sweden will support Ukraine as much as it can – without at the same time risking its own defence. The most important thing is to keep the EU together against Russia and to ensure that Ukraine wins the war, according to Kristersson.

Belongs in the EU

Even with regard to Ukraine’s process to become an EU member, Sweden will do “everything we can”.

– I want to convey Sweden’s firm support for Ukraine’s integration into the EU, says Kristersson.

– You belong in the EU.

Zelenskyy thanked for all the support. He was also asked if any meeting with US President Joe Biden is planned.

– We have invited him and when he has the opportunity, I think he would be happy to visit Ukraine. It would be an important signal to show their support for Ukraine, says Zelensky.

– We are grateful for their great support, he adds.

Earlier pictures from the government office showed how Zelenskyj and Kristersson sat in a meeting in the presidential palace.

Unannounced visit

The visit was completely unannounced, and takes place under great secrecy. It comes in the guise of Sweden’s initiative to try to free seized Russian assets in Europe for Ukraine’s reconstruction.

Ukraine has also pushed to get advanced fighter planes from the West, and in that context the Swedish Gripen has been mentioned.

– We are not ruling anything out, this is not a time to rule anything out, says Kristersson in Kiev.

– On the other hand, we see it as a fact that we need international cooperation to move forward, he continues – a signal that if decisions about combat aircraft are to be made, Western powers should do so together.

This is Kristersson’s first visit to Ukraine as prime minister. His representative at the post, Magdalena Andersson (S), visited the country this summer.