Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen Reaffirms Support for Ukraine During Official Visit

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen visited Ukraine on Wednesday, where she met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv and addressed the Ukrainian parliament.

-“I am pleased to have been invited to Ukraine once again by President Zelenskyy, and I am particularly proud to represent Denmark in speaking to the Ukrainian parliament. Here, I had the opportunity to emphasize that Denmark will continue to stand at the forefront, especially militarily. Ukraine is at war, and it is crucial that the free world continues its support without hesitation. We stand with Ukraine in the fight for freedom and justice,” said Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.

During the visit, the focus was on the future path for military support to Ukraine, the Ukrainian peace initiative, ongoing Danish support for humanitarian purposes and reconstruction, and the important role of the business community in Ukraine’s reconstruction.

The Prime Minister visited Butsja, where she, among other things, visited St. Andrew’s Church, which has a memorial for those who perished during the Russian occupation of the city.

-“We must never forget what happened in Butsja or the millions of Ukrainians who live every day amidst the devastation of war. Denmark must continue to help them. We should support Ukraine’s critical infrastructure so that the local population has warmth and water. And continue our active role in reconstruction, so Ukrainians can see a brighter future once peace is restored,” said Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.

Butsja was liberated on March 31st, after being occupied by Russian forces for about a month. Large parts of the city were destroyed, and more than 300 civilians are estimated to have been killed. Images from the city subsequently circulated worldwide, showing mass graves, among other things. Investigations into possible war crimes are still ongoing in Ukraine and other European countries.

The Prime Minister also visited the Danish transport and logistics company DSV, which has been operating continuously in Ukraine since the invasion. She also addressed First Lady Olena Zelenska’s Third Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen. Additionally, the Prime Minister participated in the expansion of the Danish embassy in Kyiv and met with Danes and representatives of Danish companies and organizations in Ukraine.

This is the third time since Russia’s invasion on February 24, 2022, that the Prime Minister has visited Ukraine.