“My conclusion is now that our security is best served by us supporting Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against Russia,” Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson told reporters.
Andersson said 5,000 anti-tank weapons of the model “Pansarskott 86”, a single-use anti-tank launcher known internationally as Bofors AT-4, would be sent to Ukraine.
The decision to send arms, 135,000 field rations, 5,000 helmets and 5,000 pieces of body armour is the first time Sweden has sent weapons to a country in armed conflict since the Soviet Union attacked Finland in 1939, Andersson added.
Swedish media reported that Ukraine had specifically requested the more advanced Robot-57 anti-tank system.
READ ALSO: Sweden prepares to shut airspace to Russian planes
“A weapons system that can strike against tanks and armoured vehicles has been requested and this is such a system,” Defence Minister Peter Hultqvist said when asked about the decision.
“In addition this is a system that is easy to operate, doesn’t require training and can be handled by a single soldier,” Hultqvist added.
READ ALSO: INTERVIEW: How could Russia’s war in Ukraine affect Sweden?
Sweden officially abandoned its stance of neutrality at the end of the Cold War but remains officially “non-aligned” and outside military alliances.
The country is not a member of NATO, although it has been a partner to the falliance since the mid-1990s.
Swedish speakers can read the press release and watch the press conference here.
Madness , seven hundred years of peace , and now they want to get blown to pieces . Putin specifically told Sweden to stay out of his War , and this is defiance made by armchair Generals and Politicians . It will come. back to haunt Sweden when Putin finishes obliterating the Ukraine and enters the Baltics . This is a European War that could send Europe back to the Stone , and Sweden should not get involved .
i agree, never interveined in any of the other BS wars, why start with this one?