«There is no need for numerous conferences on restoration, we need specifics and a plan,» — the ambassador of Denmark to Ukraine on the reconstruction of Mykolaiv

Opening of the Reconstruction and Development Office in Mykolaiv. Photo: Mykolaiv City Council

The Ambassador of Denmark to Ukraine, Ole Egberg Mikkelsen, said that in order to restore war-damaged Ukrainian cities, in particular, Mykolaiv, it is not enough to hold large-scale conferences, but to pay attention to specific actions.

He said this in an interview with Economic Truth.

The Kingdom of Denmark is one of the most important partners of Mykolaiv in the matter of recovery, providing the city with financial and humanitarian aid.

Ole Egberg Mikkelsen recalls that 2022 was extremely difficult for Mykolaiv — the city was systematically bombarded by the Russian occupiers, who destroyed a number of social and infrastructure facilities.

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Currently, the country has moved to the stage of focusing on the restoration of a number of them, as well as on the basics. According to the ambassador, reconstruction does not require numerous conversations and conferences, restoration requires actions, both on the part of the authorities and partners.

«Now there are so many conferences about reconstruction and recovery, but not enough attention is paid to concrete things. I don't like conferences. We need to act. You can't wait for peace and a big reconstruction plan. It is necessary to start now», said Ole Egberg Mikkelsen.

He noted that Denmark is doing everything possible so that the townspeople can return to normal life, because the people of Mykolaiv are «proud people who need to restore their enterprises as soon as possible».

«Before the war, few Danes had heard of Mykolaiv. Now they know at least two cities: Kyiv and Mykolaiv. We are doing everything possible to help the people of Mykolaiv to return to normal life, despite the fact that the front line is 70 kilometers away. Local residents do not want to receive aid and charity. They want to take care of themselves. These are proud people. They want to get their businesses back up and running as quickly as possible, and we're putting a lot of effort into making that possible. We provide loans and guarantees. Many lenders say, «No, we don't want to lend because it's too close to the front line. If the factory is shelled, we will lose money.» We respond that this is a risk we are willing to take and have already achieved some success. We helped one of the tomato processing plants to get back to work, so that people can start working, paying taxes, bringing their families back. In this way, we will be able to support the social and economic development of the city, despite the proximity to the front line», he said.

We will remind you that from February 2022 to October 2023, Denmark assumed a great responsibility for the restoration of infrastructure in Mykolaiv and the region. According to the report of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, the total amount of allocated funds amounted to 75.5 million euros.

Read also the article «We are rebuilding without waiting for the end of the war»: how Denmark helps Mykolaiv.