Sweden pledges more military support to Ukraine

By Leila Nezirevic

LONDON (AA) - The Swedish premier promised a new support package to Kyiv after meeting the Ukrainian foreign minister in Stockholm on Monday.

Magdalena Andersson addressed a press conference with Dmytro Kuleba, condemned Russia's war on Ukraine, and announced a further one billion Swedish krona (approximately $100 million) in military support and recovery.

"My government will go forward with a new support package for Ukraine ... new military support package of 500 million Swedish krona ... [and] to support Ukraine's economy, resilience and recovery with another 500 million Swedish krona," she said.

Andersson said "we cannot let Russia win this unjust war," adding that "it is our duty and honor" to support Ukraine.

Kuleba thanked Sweden for the support, saying "when you fight a war what you need the most is weapons."​​​​​​​

He asked Stockholm for weapons such as self-propelled howitzers and shells. "As weird as it may sound, it is the best way to save human lives, including the lives of civilians."

Foreign Minister Ann Linde, also present on the occasion, said Sweden will stand by Ukraine's side "as long as it takes."

“We do not know for how long Russia’s war will continue but Sweden is ready to provide long term sustainable support to Ukraine,” she said, adding that Sweden wants Ukraine to "regain the total control over its territory within its internationally recognized border."

Linde said Sweden is ready to push for further EU sanctions on Russia to increase pressure on the Kremlin to stop the war, which is now in its seventh month.

She stressed the importance of Ukraine joining the EU and that Sweden will continue to give “full support to this process."

Sweden, along with Finland, shunned decades of neutrality by submitting historic joint applications to join NATO in May.