Published On 2/7/2026
The nature of European support for Ukraine is shifting from merely sending weapons and ammunition to building long-term military capabilities, in light of Northern Europe’s growing conviction that Kiev’s security has become an integral part of its security.
This shift embodies a European realization that the ongoing war with Russia requires a strategic response that goes beyond immediate relief.
According to a report prepared for Al Jazeera by Manal Maqbool, this new strategy culminated in Ukraine and Sweden signing a historic agreement to purchase 16 Gripen E fighters, funded by European loans and a contribution from the United Kingdom.
Kiev is also preparing to receive 16 more Gripen CD fighters as a donation from the Swedish government, with the start of training Ukrainian pilots on them, in a step that will greatly enhance the capabilities of the Ukrainian Air Force.
These steps are not limited to strengthening Ukrainian defense capabilities, but rather reflect a shift in the European outlook on the continent’s security, as Swedish Defense Minister Paul Johnson believes that “support for Ukraine is also an investment in our security,” describing the signing day as “a historic day in the course of relations between Sweden and Ukraine.”
New support packages
In the same context, the report explains that other European countries, including Denmark, continue to announce new military support packages for Ukraine, as part of efforts to strengthen its defense capabilities in the face of the ongoing war.
Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin also pledged to continue political, financial and military support for Kiev, stressing his country’s firm commitment during its term as president of the European Union to stand by Ukraine.
Regarding financial support, in December 2025, European Union leaders announced an agreement to provide a loan worth 90 billion euros (about 97 billion dollars) to Ukraine over the years 2026 and 2027.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz believes that this decision sends a “clear message” to Russian President Vladimir Putin that “this war will not be useful.” Merz indicated that Ukraine will not have to repay the loan unless Russia pays compensation for its war on Kiev.
In this context, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova warned of the consequences of this “involvement,” stressing that her country takes into account “the West’s involvement in terrorist attacks against it.”
These developments coincided with the holding of the summit of the countries of Northern Europe and the Baltic region in the Estonian capital, Tallinn, on June 10, 2026, where the leaders discussed strengthening joint defense and confronting the dangers of the expanding Russian-Ukrainian war.
