The key facts

  • Denmark announced military aid to Ukraine worth 4.8 billion kroner (€643 million) and 150 million kroner for the energy sector
  • Zelensky held talks in Copenhagen with the leaders of Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland
  • On the same day, direct talks between Ukraine and Russia, mediated by the US, began in Abu Dhabi

New Danish aid package and meeting in Copenhagen

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held security talks with Nordic leaders in Copenhagen on Tuesday. According to Euronews, Denmark announced a new military aid package for Ukraine worth 4.8 billion kroner (€643 million) ahead of the visit. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen told journalists that an additional 150 million kroner (€20 million) would be allocated to support Ukraine's energy sector. In addition to Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, the meeting in Copenhagen was attended by Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, Norwegian head of government Jonas Gahr Støre, and Finnish head of government Petteri Orpo.

Context of the meeting and disagreements among the Nordic countries

In her statement, Frederiksen emphasized: 'Almost five years after the full-scale invasion, bombs continue to fall on civilians, aid points, as well as water supply and heating stations. That is why we must remain firm.' The Nordic countries are among Ukraine's most active supporters, but there is tension within their circle: at the end of October, Zelensky traveled to Oslo for a meeting with US representatives, after which Støre and Finnish President Alexander Stubb spent 90 minutes on the phone with Vladimir Putin. Stubb described the call as 'candid and substantive,' while Frederiksen criticized the call, saying it had not been coordinated with the other Nordic countries.

Talks in Abu Dhabi and security measures

On the same day that Zelensky landed in the Danish capital, direct talks between Ukraine and Russia, mediated by the United States, began in Abu Dhabi. The visit to Copenhagen is taking place under heightened security measures: a large number of police officers were stationed outside the Prime Minister's Office building, and the Copenhagen police said that security measures would be stepped up in the coming days and that a drone flight ban over the capital would remain in effect until November 12.