Zelenskyj says at a joint press conference with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) in Linköping that the declaration of intent is "the beginning of a new era".
Today, we have an agreement that can lead us forward so that Ukraine can get a fleet with Swedish Gripen aircraft, says Zelenskyj.
They are fantastic planes that can do so many different things and protect us from different threats, he continues.
The President says that Ukraine hopes to get at least 100 Gripens.
We understand that this is a long process. We are very grateful that Sweden and Saab are willing to negotiate this.
Three years to delivery
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) emphasizes that the declaration of intent is a first step.
This is the beginning of a long journey, but it takes us one step closer to a major export deal for Saab and Sweden with Ukraine, says Kristersson.
Gripen can make all of Europe safer.
He stresses that the declaration of intent should be seen as a mutual "direction of will". A possible first delivery could take place within three years, if everything goes as it should, according to Kristersson.
First, however, the financing must be solved in the long term.
An important step in this can be taken as early as tomorrow when the issue of frozen Russian assets is raised in the European Council, says Kristersson.
Both Kristersson and Zelenskyj are flying to Brussels this evening for this meeting.
Hopes for solidarity
Zelenskyj hopes that the countries can agree.
We need the frozen Russian assets to be used and we really hope that Europe will show solidarity on that point.
Ukraine does not want war, everyone knows that. This is a Russian war and it is only Russia behind it.
President Zelenskyj also got to see a flight demonstration with Gripen during his visit to Linköping. Kristersson notes that Ukraine has unique experiences of air combat and air defense that Sweden can benefit from.
Saab's CEO Micael Johansson says that they are working to increase the production rate to at least 20-30 Gripen planes per year.
Would it be possible to locate part of the production in Ukraine?
Yes, absolutely, it's something we're looking at, having a partner who makes parts of this in Ukraine, says Johansson.
