Zelensky visits Sweden, Norway ahead of 'Coalition of the Willing' meeting
Editor's note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Sweden and Norway on Oct. 22 to discuss support for Ukraine with the countries' leaders.
The Ukrainian president was first welcomed in Sweden by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. According to the Swedish government, they were set to hold a press conference "to make an announcement in the area of defense export."
No announcement has been made so far.
The two leaders met in the city of Linkoping, home to the defense company Saab, which produces Gripen fighter jets and other arms.
The Saab JAS 39 Gripen is a light 4.5-generation fighter jet that can be used for both defensive and offensive tasks. Kyiv and Stockholm have repeatedly discussed the possibility of supplying the aircraft to Ukraine, though no decision has been made so far.
"A strong and capable Ukraine is a key priority for Sweden, and we will continue to make sure Ukraine can fight back against Russia's aggression," Kristersson said on X.
"Looking forward to discussing how to further our cooperation — we have a lot to learn from each other."
Later in the day, Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska arrived in Oslo to meet Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere, presidential spokesperson Serhii Nykyforov confirmed for the Suspilne broadcaster.
Zelensky's visits come only a few days after a tense meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, during which Trump declined to arm Ukraine with Tomahawk missiles and reportedly pushed Russia's territorial demands.
Trump later suggested pausing hostilities along the current front lines, a proposal supported by Zelensky and other European leaders in a joint statement on Oct. 21.
European partners are flocking to back Kyiv amid uncertainties about Washington's next move. After Trump announced on Oct. 16 a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest in the coming weeks, Washington said only a few days later that the plan is being shelved for now.
After his trips to Sweden and Norway, Zelensky is expected to visit London and join a meeting of the European-led "Coalition of the Willing" on Oct. 24.
Kateryna Hodunova
