Sweden announced additional military aid for Ukraine to the tune of 16 billion Swedish kronor ($1.6 billion), in response to a Ukrainian request for capabilities in air defense, artillery, satellite communications, and the maritime domain, reported Defense News. “We are stepping up the support and we are increasing it in strength and scope, and there are strong reasons to do this in light of the very serious situation in Ukraine,” Minister for Defense Pål Jonson said at a press briefing in Stockholm on March 31. “Russia has the initiative in the war, and we need to support Ukraine to break that trend right now.”
Jonson exhorted other countries to step up and follow Sweden’s example in the vain hope that Russia can be turned around in Ukraine. “Today’s message again is that more people have to do more,” Jonson said. “Now it is time for all European countries to really increase support for Ukraine.”
The Dutch government on March 31 also announced more aid, €500 million worth, to finance a drone project in Ukraine. The drone financing is part of €2 billion in accelerated support planned for 2025, which also includes air defense, munition, and maritime equipment, the Dutch government said.
