Denmark to provide €281 million for Ukraine's air defense

Denmark has allocated more than 281 million euros to strengthen Ukraine's air defense.

This was reported by the Danish Ministry of Defense.

In addition, the aid package includes a financial contribution to the operation of Ukrainian F-16 fighter jets.

«One of Ukraine's most pressing needs right now is the ability to protect itself from Russian air strikes. That's why we are prioritizing greater air defense support», said Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen.

Denmark's cooperation with Mykolaiv

Back in March 2022, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, speaking before the Danish parliament, called on the country to take «leadership» over Mykolaiv after the end of a full-scale war.

At the end of August 2022, the Mayor of Mykolaiv, Oleksandr Sienkevych, and the Minister for International Development of Denmark, Flemming Møller Mortensen, signed a memorandum of cooperation. It provides for joint work on the formation of reconstruction projects and the involvement of investors from different countries in the restoration of Mykolaiv.

In January 2023, a meeting of representatives of Denmark and Ukraine was held in Mykolaiv to plan for the further restoration of the city. And in July, the Minister of the Kingdom of Denmark announced an aid package for the Mykolaiv region for special equipment, medical equipment, and shelter repairs.

In September last year, after meeting with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the opening of an office of the Danish Embassy in Ukraine in Mykolaiv.

And in early November, Denmark announced a new large-scale aid package for Ukraine worth 40.2 million euros. At the time, it was reported that the main focus of the aid package would be on Mykolaiv and the region.

In January 2024, the Kingdom of Denmark allocated another $21 million for the reconstruction of the Mykolaiv region. In May, $17.2 million for the reconstruction of destroyed educational institutions in the region, and in June,€33.5 million for the restoration of infrastructure and improvement of access to water and electricity.

In total, about 60% of the aid that Denmark sends to Ukraine goes to Mykolaiv and the Mykolaiv region, said the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark to Ukraine Ole Egberg Mikkelsen. Since the beginning of the full-scale war, Denmark has provided Mykolaiv region with $118 million in aid. He also stated his vision for the post-war reconstruction of Mykolaiv with pedestrian-friendly conditions and bicycle infrastructure.

While in Mykolaiv, the ambassador explained that Denmark would help Mykolaiv restore and modernize its shipbuilding capacity after the end of the full-scale war.

In particular, the country will rebuild the Mykola Arkas Lyceum while preserving its authentic appearance. As of September 2023, Ukrainian architects presented reconstruction options to Ole Egberg Mikkelsen.

The ambassador also supported the idea of creating a Danish quarter or park in Mykolaiv, but today this issue remains at the idea stage.

Denmark also expressed interest in the privatization of the Mykolaiv Alumina Plant.

Also in Mykolaiv, a mural was completed in honor of friendship and partnership with the Kingdom of Denmark. It was unveiled on the anniversary of the founding of Mykolaiv.

In turn, Deputy Mayor of Mykolaiv Serhii Korenev said that Denmark plans to assist the city for the next 10 years.

On September 17 in Mykolaiv, Danish representatives said that they were satisfied with the positive developments in the city and announced a new phase of partnership, which involves the economic and social recovery of the city.

Also on September 17, 2024, it became known that Ukraine received the 4th and 5th packages of financial assistance from Denmark in the amount of 64 million euros, 44 of which will be received by the Mykolaiv region.

In October, it was reported that Denmark would provide more than ₴150 million for the restoration of houses in the Korabelnyi district of Mykolaiv.

As a reminder, in November, the mayors of Bashtanka and Pervomaisk traveled to Denmark together with the head of the Mykolaiv Regional Administrative Organization. They presented investment proposals from their communities to their partners.