President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday signed a letter of intent with Sweden to acquire 150 Gripen fighter jets, hours after fatal Russian attacks battered Ukraine's energy grid and spurred nationwide outages.

The accord inked by Zelensky and Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson came early in a tour by the Ukrainian leader of European capitals to shore up support for Kyiv, as Russian attacks escalate and negotiations stall.

"We are opening an undoubtedly new and very meaningful chapter in our relations," Zelensky said while standing in front of a Gripen, adding the "excellent aircraft" would help to protect Ukraine's sky from daily Russian air raids.

The letter of intent did not provide dates, but Kristersson said he expected the first planes to be delivered to Ukraine "within three years"

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