On October 22, President Volodymyr Zelensky conducted working visits to Norway and Sweden, where he held talks with the leaders of both countries regarding continued support for Ukraine. During the meeting in Oslo, Norway announced additional funding for Ukraine’s energy sector, while in Sweden, the parties signed a memorandum concerning a long-term agreement to supply up to 150 multi-role Gripen fighter jets over the coming years.
As a result of the talks, Norway will provide Ukraine with approximately $150 million for gas purchases during the winter period. This support is particularly significant given Russia’s intensified attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. “Today we have a new energy support package from Norway, the third this year – about $150 million for gas purchases this winter. Energy support is extremely important,” Volodymyr Zelensky stated on his Twitter account.
Afterward, the Ukrainian president traveled to Sweden, where he was received by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. According to the Swedish government, the leaders held a press conference to announce joint steps in the field of defense exports. The meeting took place in Linköping, home to the headquarters of the defense company Saab, which produces Gripen fighter jets and other military equipment. During the visit, Volodymyr Zelensky and Ulf Kristersson signed a letter of intent on long-term defense cooperation between Ukraine and Sweden.
“Today marks the first document between our countries that opens the way for Ukraine to acquire a substantial fleet of Swedish-made Gripen fighter jets. These are highly capable aircraft, strong aviation platforms that allow for a wide range of missions,” the Ukrainian president stated. “Everyone can see the threats this helps address. We expect that the future contract will enable us to acquire at least 100 of these jets.”
Although the memorandum does not provide for the immediate delivery or transfer of aircraft, it paves the way for a large-scale agreement. Potentially, the deal could cover 100–150 Gripen E-series fighter jets. “This is the beginning of a long journey that will span 10–15 years,” Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said during the conference.
The Saab JAS 39 Gripen is a 4.5-generation, lightweight, multi-role fighter suitable for both defensive and offensive operations. Kyiv and Stockholm have repeatedly discussed the possibility of transferring these aircraft to the Ukrainian Air Force, which already operates Mirage 2000 and F-16 jets.
“A strong and capable Ukraine is a key priority for Sweden, and we will continue to ensure that Ukraine can resist Russian aggression,” Ulf Kristersson emphasized on his Twitter account. “We look forward to discussing ways to further develop our cooperation – there is much we can learn from each other.”
Zelensky’s visits to Norway and Sweden took place just a few days after a tense meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, during which the American leader declined to provide Ukraine with Tomahawk missiles. Following the visits to Norway and Sweden, Volodymyr Zelensky plans to travel to Brussels, and subsequently to London, where on October 24 a meeting of the European “Coalition of the Willing” is scheduled to discuss further support for Ukraine.
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