Photo: ukrinform.
Sweden continues its support for Ukraine by handing over two aid packages totalling almost €9 million to the Ministry of Internal Affairs. This is reported by the TimeUkraineIsrael news portal with reference to Ukrinform. Swedish Minister of Civil Defence Carl-Oscar Bolin announced the gesture during a briefing after a meeting with Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko.
Amount of assistance
As part of the first package, the Swedish Coast Guard will provide Ukraine with two vessels with relevant equipment that will help strengthen the country’s maritime security. The second package includes the supply of about 40,000 protective respirator masks, which will be useful for representatives of central executive authorities in the fight against various threats.
“I am very pleased to announce two civilian aid packages. This is an important step in our support for Ukraine,” Bolin said.
Support and cooperation
The Swedish minister stressed that his country has been supporting Ukraine since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, and this cooperation will continue as long as necessary. Ihor Klymenko, in turn, expressed his gratitude for the assistance and stressed the importance of Sweden’s political support in the context of Ukraine’s integration aspirations into the EU and NATO.
The joint statement of intent signed during the meeting demonstrates the readiness of both sides to develop a productive partnership. Klymenko noted that this cooperation also covers the area of demining, where Sweden makes a valuable contribution by enhancing the capabilities of Ukrainian pyrotechnics.
Discussion of security
The conversation also touched upon the issue of strengthening Ukraine’s ability to protect critical infrastructure. The Minister of Internal Affairs stressed the importance of increasing the means to detect and neutralise air threats. He assured that the Ministry of Internal Affairs is ready to share the invaluable experience gained during the countering of Russian aggression in the areas of civil protection, attack response, demining and countering hybrid threats.
Klymenko also expressed his interest in cooperating with Swedish partners in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles, which is an important area for the further development of Ukraine’s defence capabilities.
Concluding thoughts
This assistance from Sweden, which comes at a difficult time for Ukraine, underscores the strength of interstate ties and the common goal of countering aggression and ensuring security. Ukraine appreciates this support and looks forward to further cooperation, which will ensure the stability and development of the country in the future.
