On 19 August 2023, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson received Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Sweden. During the visit, several ministers took part in the talks. Mr Zelenskyy and Ms Zelenska were also received by His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen. Mr Kristersson also hosted meetings with the Speaker of the Riksdag, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and all party leaders.
“The visit highlights the close and strong relations between Sweden and Ukraine. It also shows that our support is important and contributes to Ukraine’s defence against Russia’s full-scale invasion. I stressed once again that Sweden will continue to support Ukraine as long as necessary,” says Mr Kristersson.
During the visit, Mr Kristersson and Mr Zelenskyy signed a Statement of Intent on enhanced cooperation between Sweden and Ukraine concerning Combat Vehicle 90. During the press conference, Mr Kristersson said that the Statement of Intent is a concrete testament of Sweden’s and Ukraine’s shared desire to enhance cooperation on the production, training and maintenance of the Combat Vehicle 90 system.
These talks covered Sweden’s continued military support, including the prospects for future deliveries of combat aircraft, Ukraine’s peace plan and Sweden’s support for Ukraine’s EU membership.
Sweden’s military support to Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion amounts to more than SEK 20 billion. In addition to the Combat Vehicle 90 system, this support includes Leopard tanks, the Archer Artillery System, advanced anti-aircraft systems, ammunition, mine-clearance equipment and personal protective equipment.
Sweden’s overall support to Ukraine during this period amounts to SEK 26 billion and includes humanitarian assistance, financial support, support for reconstruction and support for civil crisis response. On 17 July, the Government adopted a strategy for Sweden’s reconstruction and reform cooperation with Ukraine comprising SEK 6 billion. During the visit, Mr Kristersson also presented a Ukrainian translation of this strategy.
Joint statement of Intent between the Prime Minister of Sweden and the President of Ukraine
Statement of Intent between the Prime Minister of Sweden and the President of Ukraine on Enhanced Cooperation on the CV90 Platform, made 19 August 2023.
Continued Western support to Ukraine is crucial for Ukraine’s fight for freedom, and for the freedom of Europe as a whole.
After 18 months of war in Europe, our conclusion is that modern and agile land combat systems are essential to repel and defeat an aggressor. One key element to the success of both defensive and offensive operations on the battlefield is the mobility, fire power, reliability, and crew protection of a modern tracked infantry fighting vehicle (IFV).
As part of Sweden’s long-standing commitment to support Ukraine, Sweden has donated Combat Vehicle 90 (CV90) infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs), in solidarity with Ukraine in its fight for sovereignty and freedom. Sweden has also, and will continue to do so, supported Ukraine with training, spare parts and maintenance of the vehicles.
Acknowledging that CV90 is a highly effective and modern combat vehicle, Sweden and Ukraine share the conviction that further cooperation on the CV90 platform will be mutually beneficial.
This Statement of Intent therefore symbolizes Sweden’s and Ukraine’s will to strengthen cooperation in production, operation, training, and servicing of the CV90 platform.
Sweden and Ukraine share the conviction that closer cooperation will contribute to competence building and further development of Western platforms. It will also open up possibilities for further, and closer, cooperation in the future.
This Statement of Intent should also be seen in light of the agreements between Sweden and Ukraine on protective security and defence procurement support, signed by both parties during the 12 July NATO Summit in Vilnius, symbolizing Sweden’s long-term commitment to support Ukraine in a broader sense.
Through this Statement of Intent, Sweden reconfirms its commitment to continue its strong support for Ukraine, for a s long as it takes.