Ukraine has requested Sweden to provide Gripen fighter jets of its own production, but there are currently restrictions for this assistance.

Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson said this on Wednesday in Brussels ahead of the meeting of NATO defence ministers, answering questions from "European Pravda."

"Yes. Of course, we are aware (of Ukraine's request). President Zelenskyy has also asked for it. When it comes to Gripen, we are currently facing restrictions since this aircraft is crucial for maintaining our territorial integrity and sovereignty. So this will be a serious obstacle in terms of our national defence resources," he said.

The Minister has clarified that Stockholm's priority today is to strengthen Ukraine's air defence: "I had an opportunity to discuss this yesterday with Ukrainian Minister of Defence, Mr. Reznikov. We are also cooperating with other countries to strengthen air defence."

Jonson underlines that Sweden, which has already sent military assistance worth about one billion euros, is ready to increase it.

"We are significantly increasing our assistance for Ukraine. We will start sending and training the Ukrainian military on more than 50 CV-90 combat vehicles next week. We hand over various air defence equipment, winter clothing, and are determined to increase our support to Ukraine," he added.

As reported, following the Ramstein meeting in Brussels, Pentagon Chef Lloyd Austin said he had no news (UKR) on combat aircraft to Ukraine.

Boris Pistorius, Minister of Defence of Germany, has excluded the supply of Western fighter jets to Ukraine for the moment and declared that this matter could be discussed in a few months (UKR).