Commander-in-Chief of the Danish Armed Forces Michael Wiggers Hyldgaard visited Kyiv to meet with his Ukrainian counterparts and discuss further assistance from the Danish government. The meeting, which took place on April 20, focused on Ukraine’s needs on the front lines and the ongoing support from Denmark in the fight for democracy and freedom. Denmark has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine throughout Russia’s full-scale invasion, with recent announcements of a 2.2 billion kroner ($313 million) military aid package for Ukraine. Denmark also became the first state to purchase weapons and equipment for Ukraine’s Armed Forces from a domestic manufacturer as part of the aid package.
In addition to military aid, Denmark has also pledged $5.8 million in aid for Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, recognizing the importance of energy security in the region. Danish Energy Minister Lars Aagaard highlighted the use of energy as a weapon against Ukraine and emphasized the need to support the country’s energy security and supply. This aid package is part of Denmark’s ongoing commitment to assisting Ukraine in various sectors to help strengthen its resilience in the face of external threats.
The Danish government’s support for Ukraine is seen as a crucial contribution to the country’s defense efforts, as Denmark ranks as the fourth largest provider of military aid to Kyiv. As of January 2024, Denmark had committed around 8.4 million euros ($9 billion) in military aid to Ukraine, according to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy. This sustained support from Denmark has been vital in bolstering Ukraine’s defense capabilities and resilience in the face of continued aggression from Russia.
Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi expressed gratitude towards Denmark for its unwavering support and partnership throughout the conflict. He highlighted Denmark’s role as one of NATO’s founding states and emphasized the significance of the partnership in strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities. The continued collaboration between Denmark and Ukraine demonstrates a strong commitment to upholding democracy and freedom in the region amidst ongoing threats and challenges.
The visit of Commander-in-Chief Michael Wiggers Hyldgaard to Kyiv signifies the close ties between Denmark and Ukraine in the fight against external threats and aggression. The meeting with Ukrainian counterparts, including Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, focused on addressing Ukraine’s immediate needs on the front lines and discussing further assistance from Denmark. The support from Denmark, both in terms of military aid and energy infrastructure assistance, underscores the commitment of the Danish government to standing with Ukraine in its defense of democracy and freedom. As Ukraine continues to face challenges in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion, the support from allies like Denmark remains crucial in helping the country rebuild and strengthen its resilience in the face of ongoing threats.
