Sweden’s Gripen Fighter Jet Transfer to Ukraine
On May 28, 2025, Sweden announced it will donate 16 Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine and sell an additional 22 new aircraft. This move is part of broader efforts to support Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy traveled to Sweden, where he and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson signed a declaration to deepen bilateral cooperation. Sweden also confirmed the transfer of JAS 39 Gripen jets in C/D variants by 2030. Ukraine is set to receive the first fighters within the next ten months. Under current plans, Ukraine intends to acquire all 150 Gripen jets, including 22 new E-series aircraft, with deliveries expected by 2030.
Tanker Attacks and Financial Support
Meanwhile, in the Black Sea, several attacks targeted tankers from Russia's shadow fleet. Three vessels—the Altura, Velora, and James II—were struck by drones near Turkey's northern coast. The James II, flying the Palau flag, was hit in the engine room area about 80 kilometers north of Türkeli, carrying 20 crew members, though no injuries were reported. The other two tankers, the Altura and Velora, both flagged to Sierra Leone, were attacked during a cargo transshipment operation.
On the financial front, Ukraine received positive news from the European Union Council, which approved a €2.8 billion tranche under the Ukraine Facility program. This initiative aims to support Ukraine during the war. As of late May 2026, according to a European Commission report, Ukraine has completed 86 steps of its reform plan, with 65 others in progress. The total Ukraine Facility budget for 2024–2027 is €50 billion, of which €26.8 billion has already been disbursed since 2024.
Additionally, Ukraine’s parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, ratified an agreement with the European Union for a €90 billion loan, enabling fund disbursement in 2026–2027. A total of 298 lawmakers voted in favor of the corresponding law. According to the plan, total support for 2026 will amount to up to €45 billion, with defense-related funding reaching €28.3 billion and budgetary support at €16.7 billion. Ukraine’s Cabinet of Ministers also approved a draft of a new Customs Code.
- The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant experienced the longest communication outage since the war began.
- Police arrested a suspect in the attempted murder of the mayor of Piatykhatky.
- In international news, the United States and Iran agreed to a two-month ceasefire.
The transfer of Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine signals a strengthening of Western military support, which could significantly shift the regional military balance. At the same time, EU financial backing and the ratification of the loan agreement underscore international solidarity with Ukraine in its fight for independence. These developments may have far-reaching implications for European stability and the formation of new geopolitical alliances in the context of the conflict with Russia.
The recent transfer of Gripen jets is a significant aspect of Sweden's commitment to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities. This move aligns with the country's broader strategy to enhance military cooperation with Ukraine. For a deeper understanding of the implications of this defense pact and its impact on regional security, read more about the Swedish Gripen jets heading to Ukraine.