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Denmark pledges $522m in military aid to Ukraine

27.10.2023 14:30
Denmark has announced a new military aid package for Ukraine, worth 3.7 billion Danish kroner (USD 522 million), to help strengthen Kyiv’s defence capabilities against Russian forces.
Photo:
Photo:PAP/UKRINFORM

The package includes T-72EA tanks, BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles, artillery shells, drones, and small arms, the Danish government said on Thursday, according to the Kyiv Independent newspaper.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said: "Today's donation confirms that Ukraine can count on Denmark's unwavering support in their fight for freedom. This is support that is crucial for Ukraine to continue the fight."

Rasmussen added, as quoted by the newspaper: "The donation also sends an important signal to both Ukraine and Russia that we do not lose focus, even though much of the world's attention these days is directed at Israel and Palestine."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky tweeted: "I thank Denmark for its unfaltering support and the 13th military aid package worth $522 million."

Zelensky added: "Such timely assistance adds strength to Ukraine and ensures the defense of our common values."

Zelensky this week met with Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen to discuss ways to strengthen Ukraine's air defences with modern fighter jets and new air defence systems, Ukrainian state news agency Ukrinform reported.

It said the two also discussed cooperation within the aircraft coalition and training of Ukrainian pilots on F-16s, which Denmark and other partners are set to transfer to Ukraine.

Denmark has provided Ukraine with USD 2.3 billion in military aid and USD 354 million in civilian contributions since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion, kyivindependent.com reported, citing the Danish foreign ministry.

Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, launching the largest military campaign in Europe since World War II.

Friday is day 611 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.

(gs)

Source: Kyiv Independentukrinform.net