Sweden joins Ukraine in drone and missile production effort
The head of the Swedish Ministry of National Defence announced on Friday that Sweden will participate in producing drones and long-range missiles for the Ukrainian army. "We are following the Danish model of cooperation with Ukraine: we provide funding, and the Ukrainian side is responsible for production," said Pål Jonson.
On Friday in Stockholm, Jonson discussed cooperation with the Ukrainian defence industry with Ukraine's Defence Minister, Rustem Umerov. He emphasised that the details of the cooperation are still being finalised.
In January, the financing of the joint project is expected to be concluded. This is anticipated to take place during the presentation of the 18th military aid package for Ukraine.
The head of the Swedish Ministry of Defence also commented on Thursday's Russian attack, in which Putin's army used a medium-range ballistic missile for the first time.
"Russia will not intimidate us," said the politician. He assured that this will not stop Sweden from continuing to assist Ukraine. The Swedish government has declared that it will provide Ukraine with aid worth 25 billion kronor (approximately 1.9 billion GBP) annually in 2025-26.
Russia used a new missile. "We are working on a response"
During a joint press conference, the head of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence stated that the situation of Ukrainian troops on the front is "difficult but under control."
- Russian propaganda is doing everything to show that we are losing," said Rustem Umerov. Meanwhile, he added, Ukraine is "strengthening its air defence capabilities and working on a response" to the latest attack from Russia.
