May 08, 2026
Representatives of Ukraine’s Defense Forces are taking part in the active phase of the international military exercise Aurora 2026 in Sweden, where Ukrainian troops are sharing frontline combat experience with NATO partners, according to Ukraine’s General Staff on May 8.
Particular attention during the drills has focused on the practical experience Ukrainian servicemembers gained during Russia’s full-scale war, especially in the use of UAVs, including FPV drones, countering aerial threats, and adapting modern battlefield tactics under real combat conditions.
The Swedish Ministry of Defense also published a short video on social media showing Ukrainian drone operators participating in the exercises alongside Swedish and allied forces.
“Ukrainian drone operators strengthen the capabilities of Sweden and NATO,” the ministry said in a statement. “Several Ukrainian drone operator units have arrived in Sweden to participate in Aurora 2026 together with Swedish and allied military personnel. Their invaluable experience and knowledge of the modern battlefield are now being put into practical use.”
Aurora 2026 is considered one of the largest security and defense exercises in the Baltic region, bringing together military personnel from 18 countries, including representatives of Ukraine’s Defense Forces.
The drills cover key elements of modern warfare across land, air, and maritime domains, with participating units training rapid deployment, protection of logistics corridors, air defense operations, armored maneuver warfare, drone integration, and multinational battlefield coordination.
According to the Ukrainian General Staff, Kyiv’s participation in Aurora 2026 is intended to strengthen military cooperation with partner nations while helping allied forces adapt to the realities of modern high-intensity warfare shaped by the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine.
Earlier, Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced that Ukraine and Sweden could finalize a deal for the purchase of Saab-made Gripen fighter jets within months. Following a letter of intent signed last year that could see Sweden supply up to 150 Gripen jets, Fedorov stated that previous questions regarding funding have been resolved.
Ukraine are getting stronger by the week. Meanwhile putler needs permission off Ukraine to hold his pathetic non-military parade.
Things looked quite different only a few months ago, didn’t they? How fast certain situations can change!
Things changed for the better once the US had no leverage over what Ukraine could attack.
That’s right.
Lavrov is whining like a baby about these exercises. He claims the UK are preparing to annex Kaliningrad.
Yeah, we see that a horse can also be a cry baby.
😄