Denmark plans to increase its military spending on aid to Ukraine by at least 17.9 billion kroner ($2.59 billion) during 2023 and next year, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said on Monday, which quoted by Reuters.
Denmark, a country with a population of less than 6 million, created a $1 billion fund in March of this year for military, civilian and economic aid to Ukraine.
Frederiksen, who is considered a possible candidate for NATO secretary general after Jens Stoltenberg’s term ends, announced on Monday that her government plans to allocate an additional 7.5 billion kroner to the Ukraine fund this year and 10.4 billion kroner in 2024.
“This significant contribution will contribute to further strengthening the combat capability of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the short- and medium-term perspective,” President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded on Twitter, adding that “our strength is unity.”
Danmarks Radio said the new funds were earmarked for military aid, and Frederiksen made the announcement ahead of a visit by US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken to the Nordic countries this week.
In early May, the Danish government announced another package of military and financial aid to Ukraine worth 1.7 billion kroner ($250 million), as well as reducing its military presence in Iraq starting next year to focus instead on strengthening security in the Baltics. states, providing NATO with a battalion to defend the region.
The battalion is expected to number between 700 and 1,200 servicemen and will be stationed in Latvia for 4-6 months each year. He will remain in Denmark for the rest of the year, but will be ready for quick deployment to the Baltic states in the event of a crisis.
Russia compiled a list of military equipment that Denmark sent to Ukraine
Denmark’s announcement on May 2 comes after Russia’s ambassador to Copenhagen, Volodymyr Barbin, last month accused Danish authorities of having “no red line” on continuing to supply Ukraine with new weapons and failing to consider the cost of escalating the conflict.
“Copenhagen firmly believes that the West is capable of inflicting a military defeat on Russia in Ukraine. Denmark does not think about the fate that awaits Ukraine and its citizens in case of further escalation of the conflict. Based on such ideas, there are currently no red lines or prohibitions on the transfer of new weapons in Copenhagen,” the ambassador said.
According to Barbin, Denmark transferred $900 million worth of weapons to Ukraine, including anti-ship, anti-tank and anti-aircraft missile systems, mortars, armored personnel carriers, drones and various types of ammunition.
“Delivery of nineteen Caesar self-propelled guns is planned for May, and Leopard-1 tanks for summer. The possibility of purchasing F-16 fighters is being discussed. Danish instructors train the Ukrainian military,” the Russian diplomat complained.
Denmark also later announced it would train Ukrainian pilots to fly US F-16s after the Washington administration agreed to the move.
Follow the latest events of the 460th day of the war in Ukraine LIVETEXT on HOTNEWS.RO.
Source: Hot News
James Springer is a renowned author and opinion writer, known for his bold and thought-provoking articles on a wide range of topics. He currently works as a writer at 247 news reel, where he uses his unique voice and sharp wit to offer fresh perspectives on current events. His articles are widely read and shared and has earned him a reputation as a talented and insightful writer.