On Wednesday, May 20, as part of a working visit to Sweden, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha held bilateral talks with his Swedish counterpart, Maria Malm-Stenergård, in the Swedish city of Kristianstad.
Andrii Sybiha noted that Kristianstad is a symbol of shared Ukrainian-Swedish history. A monument to Hetman Pylyp Orlyk, who spent part of his life in this city, is located here. During their stay in the city, the ministers visited the monument, which stands on the site of the Hetman’s residence from 1716 to 1719.
During bilateral talks, the ministers discussed defense cooperation between Ukraine and Sweden, particularly aviation capabilities in the context of a potential supply of Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine. According to Andrii Sybiha, Swedish weaponry demonstrates high effectiveness on the battlefield. For example, Saab products are effectively protecting Ukraine and all of Europe, including Sweden.
“By using your weapons, our military provides feedback that allows us to scale up and improve production. In other words, we mutually reinforce one another,” the Foreign Minister stated.
The minister briefed his counterpart on the situation on the battlefield, Ukraine’s efforts to stabilize the front lines, defend its airspace, and strengthen targeted sanctions against Russia.
The parties also discussed the path to a just peace and the need for continued sanctions pressure on Russia, particularly on its “shadow fleet.” Andrii Sybiha emphasized that Ukraine wants this war to end more than anyone else in the world and is counting on Europe to play a new role in peace efforts. Sweden can make an important contribution to these efforts.
“I would like to express my special gratitude for the unwavering support for Ukraine’s accession to the EU—a position shared by 91% of Swedes. Today I received clear confirmation that Sweden supports opening the first negotiation cluster as early as May and the remaining five in June,” the minister noted.
The diplomats also discussed Ukraine’s integration into NATO and the development of the PURL program, which allows for the procurement of critically important American weapons for Ukraine.
“Ukraine also has something to offer in the defense sector. We possess unique experience in modern warfare, as well as unique technologies and weapons. We are ready to share this experience—in particular regarding the mass production and use of all types of drones, as well as systems to counter enemy threats,” Andrii Sybiha emphasized.
The Foreign Minister expressed his deep gratitude to Sweden for its leadership in supporting Ukraine and its determination to defend Europe.
“We deeply appreciate your assistance from the very first days of the war. The total amount of your support has already exceeded $13.5 billion. Last year alone, defense aid amounted to $4 billion—the third-highest figure in the world relative to GDP. We are also grateful for the assistance provided to our energy sector,” the minister noted.
Andrii Sybiha thanked Sweden for supporting humanitarian initiatives in the fields of education, healthcare, and human rights, as well as for helping Ukrainians affected by the war. According to him, 38 Ukrainians, including military personnel, are currently undergoing treatment and rehabilitation in Sweden.
“Alongside government aid, we feel strong support from Swedish society, municipalities, businesses, and volunteers. Last winter, during brutal Russian attacks on our power grid, a public campaign took place in Sweden that raised over $19 million to help Ukraine. I am grateful to every Swede who joined this initiative, as well as for their willingness to continue supporting Ukraine’s energy resilience ahead of the coming winter,” the Foreign Minister noted.