Sweden announced on Thursday that it will send Ukraine $102 million in aid and military equipment, which includes the Robot 17 anti-ship missile system.
“We are now seeing a new phase in the Russian invasion, where (Russia) is gathering strength in eastern and southeastern Ukraine and the Ukrainian side has requested help in several areas,” Defense Minister Peter Hultqvist told reporters.
The aid package consists of Sweden’s anti-ship missile system Robot 17, which is a modified version of the US Hellfire missile system, as well as 5,000 anti-tank launchers that unofficial sources have claimed to be AT4 light anti-armor weapons, AG90 rifles, and ammunition.
“This is qualified equipment in line with what Ukraine has requested”, Hultqvist added.
Sweden will also contribute around $100 million dollars for civilian efforts through the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency.
This comes after the U.S. Senate on Thursday approved a massive military aid package for Ukraine, consisting of a one-time outlay of military and security assistance, along with funding for economic and humanitarian needs.
“Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine underscores the importance of democracies around the world sticking together to stand against authoritarians who violate international law and commit war crimes,” Democratic Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine said in a joint statement. “Today’s vote is another powerful signal that the United States is committed to that principle, and we’re going to keep working to ensure that we remain a very strong ally of Ukraine.”
Congress must still pass the bill before it can arrive at President Joe Biden’s desk for his signature, but the president is reportedly expected to sign the bill as soon as possible.
“In short, it signals that Biden is all-in, intent on a strategy meant to help Ukraine ‘win’ the war,” said William Walldorf Jr., a professor in the department of politics and international affairs at Wake Forest University.
Ukraine has definitely put its donations to good use, as they have successfully held off Russian forces from invading their country. Local leaders have already ruled out the possibility of a ceasefire or granting any territory to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“The war must end with the complete restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty,” tweeted Andriy Yermak, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s chief of staff.
