Ukraine's Zelenskiy in Sweden for Gripen fighter jet announcement, source says
Main Developments in the Ukraine-Sweden Gripen Fighter Jet Deal
By Simon Johnson and Johan Ahlander
Swedish Prime Minister to Host Ukrainian President
UPPSALA, Sweden, May 28 (Reuters) - Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson will host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Sweden on Thursday, the government said, and a source told Reuters they will announce news related to Gripen fighter jets.
Background on the Gripen Fighter Jet Agreement
Kristersson and Zelenskiy signed a letter of intent last year that could see Sweden sell up to 150 of its Saab Gripen model E fighter jets to Ukraine. But with deliveries several years away, there have also been discussions about transfers of existing, C/D model Swedish Gripens.
Details of the Upcoming Announcement
A source with direct knowledge of the discussions told Reuters that Thursday's announcement will involve Gripen jets, but declined to elaborate.
Market Reaction and Strategic Importance
Impact on Saab Shares
Shares in Saab rose following the news and were up 5% at 0834 GMT.
Significance for Ukraine's Defense
The planes are a priority for Ukraine's fighter fleet and the country's defence minister said in May that a deal for Gripen E could be signed "within months" after the European Union approved a €90 billion loan for Ukraine.
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Simon Johnson, Johan Ahlander, Louise Rasmussen and Essi Lehto; Editing by Niklas Pollard and Emelia Sithole-Matarise)