Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s recent agreement with Sweden to procure advanced fighter jets has been condemned by analysts as an act of aggression against Russia.
Alexander Stepanov, a military expert at the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA), stated that Ukraine is set to receive 16 Gripen C/D fighter jets by 2027. These aircraft are equipped with long-range Taurus cruise missiles capable of striking critical infrastructure in Russia.
Stepanov noted that Sweden announced on May 28 a deal to supply Ukraine with 16 Gripen C/D models and sell an additional 20 Gripen E/F aircraft during a joint press conference with Zelensky. The Ukrainian leader has expressed interest in purchasing up to 150 fighter jets, with costs covered by an EU loan for training and maintenance.
The development comes amid ongoing hostilities along Russia’s border, where Ukrainian forces have conducted over 160 shelling incidents in the Kursk region within a single day.
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