Russian invasion Swedish reactions

Kristersson: No new talks on Jas Gripen

As it stands now, Sweden is not sending any Jas Gripen to Ukraine. This is what Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) told DN after Ukraine's deputy defense minister hinted that the country is about to receive new fighter jets from Sweden.

- There are no new talks. We have put the discussion on hold, but it is not written off, says the prime minister.

At the same time, he is open to the possibility that Sweden can deliver aircraft to Ukraine after the end of the war.

Pål Jonson (M) on Gripen to Ukraine: "Nothing clear"

There are no clear agreements on Jas Gripen being sent to Ukraine, the Ministry of Defense tells SVT Nyheter:

"Talks have been going on between Sweden and Ukraine for some time about the export/sale of Gripen E (the new version of Gripen). But nothing is clear yet," writes Adam Schelin, deputy press secretary to Defense Minister Pål Jonson (M).

The statement comes after Ukraine's deputy defense minister hinted this morning that the aircraft will be part of a new aid package for Ukraine.

Reports: Swedish ball bearings found in Russian drones

Drones have become one of the most important tools in Russia's invasion war against Ukraine. Parts from the Swedish ball bearing giant SKF have been used in some drones, according to an investigation by Aftonbladet. An anonymous Ukrainian officer tells the newspaper how the components are often used in Russian drones that have landed or crashed on Ukrainian soil.

In a video, he shows a Shahed136 drone that was taken down near Kyiv this summer. There, a Chinese-made ball bearing from SKF is being removed from the engine.

The officer is now warning that Western companies must tighten control of their exports because the products are used to refine Russian weapons.

SKF said yesterday that it takes Aftonbladet's report very seriously, but also tells SvD that it is difficult to keep track of sales at several levels.