Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held security talks on Tuesday with the leaders of the Nordic countries in Copenhagen. Denmark announced a new military aid package for Ukraine worth 643 million euros. The announcement was made by Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen.
He told reporters that his country would also provide another 20 million euros to support Ukraine’s energy sector. In Copenhagen, Zelenskyy was received with heavy security measures, according to television footage showing his plane landing in the Danish capital. Outside the prime minister’s office there was a large police presence.
Copenhagen police said security measures would be strengthened in the coming days. According to them, drones will be banned over the capital until November 12. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo are also expected at the meeting.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen described the reception of the Ukrainian president and the Nordic leaders as a clear sign of support. “I am proud to welcome President Zelenskyy and the Nordic leaders to Denmark. The Ukrainian struggle for a free Ukraine and a free Europe continues,” Frederiksen said in a statement.
She stressed that, almost five years after the full-scale invasion, attacks on civilians, aid centres and water and heating facilities continue. “That is why we must remain determined,” the Danish prime minister added. The Nordic countries are among Ukraine’s strongest supporters.
At the end of October, Zelenskyy travelled to Oslo to meet with US envoys. After that meeting, Norwegian Prime Minister Støre and Finnish President Alexander Stubb held a 90-minute phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Stubb described the call as “frank and substantive.” On Tuesday, direct talks between Ukraine and Russia, mediated by the United States, began in Abu Dhabi.