Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote on X thanking the Swedish government and the Swedish people for "the significant contribution to defending lives."
The aid package is the 21st since the war started. With it, Sweden has provided approximately 103 billion kronor in military support to Ukraine.
Minister of Defense Pål Jonson (M) says that Ukraine has recently made significant gains against Russia, but that the situation is very difficult.
This is a large and important package, and it comes at a critical time for Ukraine, not least to strengthen air defense now that Russia has vigorously scaled up ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and long-range drones, Jonson said at a press conference.
“As long as it takes”
Of the 12.9 billion, 4.3 billion will go, among other things, to procuring the Tridon MK 2 air defense system, which is mounted on trucks, and the Robot 70, mounted on armored jeeps.
In addition to a package presented in January, Ukraine has received weapons and equipment for three anti-aircraft battalions, according to the Ministry of Defense. The weapons, ammunition and other items in the package have delivery times ranging from immediate to up to two years.
5.6 billion is earmarked for Ukraine's own production and development of long-range missiles and drones.
Three billion goes to grenade launchers with ammunition taken from Swedish defense stocks, to the purchase of artillery shells, spare parts and training of Ukrainian personnel.
The support package is financed within the government's 40 billion kronor budget framework for military support to Ukraine for this year.
Sweden is one of the countries that supports Ukraine the most. We will continue to support Ukraine as long as it is needed, Pål Jonson said.
US support is dwindling
He says that more EU countries must contribute more than they do, not least to make up for US support that was cut and almost ended during President Trump's first year.
According to the Atlantic Council, the US budget for military aid to Ukraine this year is $400 million, or approximately 3.6 billion Swedish kronor. In 2024, the budget was $14 billion.
A large part of the American weapons sent to Ukraine previously came directly from the United States as support. Now, countries in Europe are purchasing American weapons for delivery to Ukraine. The needs are estimated to amount to $15 billion, that is, 135 billion kronor.
