On October 22, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, accompanied by First Lady Olena Zelenska and Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, visited Norway. Sweden became the next stop. On October 23, Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to attend the European Council summit in Brussels. President of the European Council António Costa wrote on X that the Ukrainian leader would be welcomed there.
Norway: Energy and Security
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre welcomed the Ukrainian delegation and reaffirmed Norway’s continued support. Following the meeting, President Zelenskyy announced a new, third this year, Norwegian energy support package worth about $150 million to help Ukraine purchase gas for the winter. Symbolically, the announcement came a day after another massive Russian strike on Ukrainian energy facilities.
The leaders also discussed Ukraine’s urgent need for air defense systems ahead of the winter season. Defense cooperation, including joint drone production, was among the main topics of discussion. Norway remains one of the countries focusing on Ukraine’s priority needs.
The PURL (Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List), established in summer 2025, serves as an initiative to supply U.S. weapons and technology to Ukraine, funded by voluntary contributions from NATO member states and partners. As of August 2025, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway jointly pledged around $500 million under the first package.
Sweden: Gripens
In Sweden, President Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson held a joint press conference. During the visit, Ukraine and Sweden signed a letter of intent to purchase up to 150 JAS 39 Gripen E fighters for the Ukrainian Air Force. The Ukrainian President emphasized that, due to several factors, the Gripen remains a top priority for Ukraine’s Air Force. The first jets are expected to arrive within a year.
A meeting was also held with representatives of the Swedish aerospace and defense company Saab AB:
We also met with the owner of Saab AB, Markus Wallenberg, and CEO Mikael Johansson — a company whose weapons are already helping our soldiers. Gripen aircraft, anti-drone and reconnaissance systems, simulators for training pilots — we saw the production facilities with our own eyes. We look forward to a strategic partnership with Saab and are interested in developing joint defense production, — Zelenskyy wrote.
The Gripen is a fourth-generation Swedish multirole fighter aircraft manufactured by Saab AB. Its main advantages include relatively low operating costs, the ability to operate from simple airfields, high maneuverability, and advanced avionics.
In 2024, the delivery of Gripens was prioritized over the delivery of F-16s, as requested by partners.
Conclusion
The latest Russian strike served as a reminder of the importance of the agreements discussed in Norway. As for Sweden, the new deal proves that persistence brings results. Back in 2022, Sweden’s Minister of Defense stated there were no plans to provide Gripen jets to Ukraine. After years of hesitation and postponed decisions, the agreement has finally been signed.
The Nordic countries continue to demonstrate solidarity and commitment to supporting Ukraine despite ongoing geopolitical turbulence.
