Jacob Ware

News of the Gripen deal for Ukraine is another major achievement by Zelenskyy in strengthening the country’s defense. And another step in deepening Ukraine’s special relationship with Sweden. But the bigger question is this: is Ukraine becoming a Nordic country? Not geographically. Strategically. For decades, Ukrainians thought of their place in Europe through the lens of Central and Eastern Europe. Some dreamed of an arc from the Baltic to the Black Sea. After 2022, reality began to change doctrine. A renaissance in Ukraine’s relations with Northern Europe began. It was driven by three forces: the North’s leadership in supporting Ukraine, backed by resources; frictions with partners in Central Europe; and Ukraine’s search for more strategic anchors in Europe. For Ukrainians, this movement makes sense. More than a thousand years ago, the Varangians were an important part of the rise of Rus. In the early 18th century, Sweden was already an ally of Ukraine’s attempt to break free from Moscow’s rule. But this is not only about history. Ukrainians are drawn to the Nordic world, where strength does not contradict democracy, defense does not contradict prosperity, technology reinforces resilience, and cool-headedness serves freedom and dignity. Kyiv will not change its geography. But its center of gravity is changing. The Vikings are returning to Ukraine. And Ukrainians are charting their country’s path to the North. It is still unclear where this will lead. But it is already a fascinating turn of history.