United to win: Ukraine discusses drone funding and stronger air defenses with Sweden and Norway
Yevhenii Khmara shared with his colleagues the conclusions he drew after a working visit to combat units.
Another urgent priority is countering ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as jet-powered Shahed drones. To do this, Ukraine needs interceptor missiles and tools for asymmetric action right now.
In addition to urgent needs, the sides discussed long-term projects. In particular, they discussed the development of the European anti-ballistic project FREYJA. Ukraine expects Sweden and Norway to continue supporting this area.
During his conversation with his Swedish counterpart, Yevhenii Khmara discussed steps to strengthen Ukraine by the end of the summer and the further development of aviation capabilities. The acting defense minister thanked Sweden for co-leading the Electronic Warfare Coalition, supporting Gripen, and providing other assistance to Ukraine.
With Norwegian Defense Minister Tore Sandvik, the sides focused on joint defense industry projects and strengthening air defense through various support mechanisms. Yevhenii Khmara stressed that Norway is one of Ukraine's largest partners and thanked it for its significant contributions to Ukraine's defense capabilities.
Ukraine is determined to develop a long-term and mutually beneficial defense partnership with Sweden and Norway.
Background
Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyi spoke with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre about Ukraine's protection against Russian strikes. He briefed Støre on the implementation of the future FREYJA anti-ballistic system program and the schedule for the next steps.
Zelenskyi also noted that Norwegian representatives are involved in the work.
Moreover, Norway's parliament, the Storting, unanimously ratified the country's accession to the Special Tribunal and the International Compensation Commission for Ukraine on Thursday, June 11.
It should be noted that Ukraine's Defense Forces are set to receive state-of-the-art mobile Tridon Mk2 medium-range air defense systems, which are designed to counter drones and a wide range of aerial threats.
- Last
News by day
11 of August 2026
