The Tidö government has decided to contribute 108 million dollars, equivalent to about one billion kronor from taxpayers, to strengthen Ukraine’s military capabilities. This comes despite Ukraine having just received a loan of 1000 billion kronor from the EU.
According to information on the government’s website, since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Sweden has contributed about 153.5 billion kronor in military, civil, and financial aid to the country.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson recently announced that Sweden intends to transfer 16 JAS 39 Gripen jets to Ukraine. At the same time, Ukraine plans to go ahead with the purchase of an additional 20 Gripen aircraft of a newer version.
READ ALSO: Sweden donates Jas Gripen to Ukraine
In April, it became clear that Hungary had dropped its veto against an EU loan equivalent to around 1,000 billion kronor to Ukraine. This means that this summer, Ukraine will get access to a substantial sum intended both for buying weapons and keeping the country running.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) welcomed the announcement and described it as very positive. According to Kristersson, the support strengthens Ukraine by increasing pressure on Russia—something he believes is a crucial precondition for achieving future peace.
READ ALSO: Kristersson celebrates 1000 billion for Ukraine: “The Key to Future Peace”
On Thursday, the Ministry of Defence announced that taxpayers will have to come up with another more than a billion kronor for Sweden to participate in a US defence initiative aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s military capability.
The US Does Not Donate—but Sells to EU Countries
The funds go to the program Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), where allied countries finance the purchase of US defense materials that Ukraine is deemed to have a particularly great need for. The US does not donate material within the program framework, but instead sells it to NATO countries and partner states, which then forward the support to Ukraine.
This new billion-kronor contribution means that Sweden’s total contribution to PURL now amounts to 543 million dollars, that is, about 5.2 billion kronor. Furthermore, this is the fourth time Sweden is providing financing under the program.
READ ALSO: US urges EU: Buy weapons from us – and donate them to Ukraine
Through this initiative, Ukraine is said to gain access to materials considered particularly important for the country’s defense, including air defense systems and ammunition. The program is administered by NATO but relies on American deliveries financed by partner countries in Europe.
Defence Minister Pål Jonson (M) emphasizes that the support is part of Sweden’s long-term commitment to Ukraine.
– Through this model, Ukraine can quickly access prioritized defense materials that are important for meeting continued Russian attacks, says Jonson.