Sweden has announced a military aid package valued at approximately $113 million to enhance Ukraine’s air defense capabilities amid escalating Russian attacks. The United States and Ukraine have reached an agreement on a draft minerals deal, pivotal for securing U.S. support for Ukraine amid the ongoing war with Russia. Sweden’s package, which includes advanced air defense systems such as the Robot 70 and Tridon Mk2, aims to bolster Ukraine’s defense against missile and drone threats.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has emphasized the urgency of the assistance due to intensified Russian military actions. The Robot 70 system is a portable missile defense system designed for a range of aerial threats, while the Tridon Mk2 combats drones and other assaults.
Kristersson wrote, “I am in Kyiv today. For the past three years, the Ukrainian people have been fighting for freedom and security – theirs and ours. Today, we are announcing 100 million euro to support Ukraine’s air defenses. Strengthening Ukraine’s capability to defend itself against Russian aggression also increases our security.”
Benjamin Dousa, Sweden’s Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, wrote, “Ukraine is the government’s most important foreign policy priority. Therefore, we are now deprioritizing, for example, bilateral assistance to Burkina Faso and Mali, which support Russia, and budgeting to increase civilian support to Ukraine by SEK 1.1 billion.”
The support is part of Sweden’s broader contribution to Ukraine, totaling around $6.87 billion, encompassing military, humanitarian, and civil aid. President Donald Trump has indicated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is expected to visit Washington to finalize a draft minerals deal.
The proposed deal outlines the establishment of a Reconstruction Investment Fund, wherein Ukraine would contribute a portion of its mineral revenues. Trump stated, “I hear that he’s coming on Friday. Certainly it’s okay with me if he’d like to. And he would like to sign it together with me.”
The deal aims to facilitate the development of a stable and economically prosperous Ukraine while also ensuring that the U.S. recoups its financial support provided thus far. Trump stated, “What we’re doing is now we’re saying, look, we want to be secured. The American taxpayer now is going to get their money back, plus.”
Grace Hall covers U.S. politics & news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.
