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Zelensky discusses potential security guarantees, joint weapons production with Swedish Defense Minister

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Zelensky discusses potential security guarantees, joint weapons production with Swedish Defense Minister
President Volodymyr Zelensky and Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson meeting in Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022. (President's office)

President Volodymyr Zelensky and Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson discussed the prospects of joint weapons production and future negotiations for signing a bilateral security guarantee agreement, according to a Feb. 24 statement by Zelensky's office.

The two met in Ukraine on the two-year anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and four days after Sweden announced its largest yet defense aid package for Ukraine, worth $682 million.

That latest package brought the total value of Swedish military assistance to Ukraine since the start of the full-scale invasion to 30 billion Swedish krona ($2.88 billion).

"Today is the day when this tragedy began, and it is crucial for us when our friends are here," Zelensky said the statement.

This year, Ukraine has inked bilateral security agreements with the U.K., Denmark, Germany, Canada, Italy, and France, while additional countries have said they plan to sign agreements in the near future.

The security agreements follow a pledge made last July by the Group of Seven (G7) countries to make long-term bilateral security agreements with Ukraine to deter Russian aggression.

Sweden unveils its largest defense aid package for Ukraine worth $682 million
Ukraine will also receive artillery ammunition worth 2 billion Swedish kronor ($192 million), Robotsystem 70 portable anti-aircraft weapons, anti-tank missiles, Carl Gustaf grenade launchers, hand grenades, and medical transport vehicles, the SVT public broadcaster reported.
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The Kyiv Independent news desk

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