Sweden will provide Ukraine with more economic aid and military equipment, the Nordic country’s defense and finance ministers said on Thursday.
Finance Minister Mikael Damberg and Defense Minister Peter Hultqvist told a news conference the military equipment would include anti-ship missiles, rifles, and more anti-tank weapons.
“Sweden will send anti-ship missiles, anti-tank weapons and 12.7 mm rifles including ammunition to Ukraine. This 4th support package also includes financial contribution to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Total amount includes more than 95 million euros,” the Swedish FM wrote.
We are now seeing a new phase in the Russian invasion, where (Russia) is gathering strength in eastern and southeastern Ukraine and the Ukrainian side has requested help in several areas,” Defence Minister Peter Hultqvist told reporters at a joint press conference with Finance Minister Mikael Damberg.
Mr. Damberg said the Scandinavian country would contribute 578 million kronor to the Ukrainian central bank’s fund for its armed forces, 60 million kronor to NATO’s fund to help Ukraine’s armed forces, and military equipment worth 262 million kronor.
“The proposals that are submitted (to parliament) mean that allocated funds for the central government budget will increase by SEK 1.0 billion ($102 million) in 2022,” the Nordic country’s finance ministry said in a statement.
“In solidarity with Ukraine, and as part of the international response to Russia’s actions, the government sees a continuing need to support Ukraine,” it said.