By KYIV. Dec 12 (Interfax-Ukraine) – Sweden will expand its support to Ukraine and considers this assistance as investment in common security, Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson, who arrived in Ukraine on a visit, said.
"The government of Sweden adopted the ninth support package for Ukraine a few weeks ago. I want to emphasize that it will be 50% more than the previous package. In addition to air defense and ammunition, another package is expected, which will be related to the preparation for winter," Jonson said at a joint press conference with Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov in Odesa on Sunday.
As he noted, the increase in aid for Ukraine is a response to the growing escalation from Russia. "We see great historical actions of Ukraine, which opposes Russia. We see how Russia constantly violates human rights, attacks universities, schools, hospitals," he said.
"Sweden supports not only Ukraine, but also invests in general security," he said.
According to him, the new assistance package will contain air defense systems, ammunition, and a special package for getting through the winter.
As Johnson noted, from January 1, Sweden will chair the Council of Europe, which will also be a positive factor for strengthening support for Ukraine in Europe.
