Ukraine and Denmark have summed up the results of cooperation under the Danish model of support for the Ukrainian defence industry in 2024. Thanks to this initiative, the Armed Forces of Ukraine received weapons worth almost €538 million.
According to the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, these funds are the result of agreements concluded in 2024 with the Ministry of Defence of Denmark to finance arms procurement projects from Ukrainian manufacturers. The sources of funding are the governments of Denmark (€125 million through the Danish national Ukraine Fund), Sweden (€20 million), Iceland (€2.7 million) and interest from frozen Russian assets (€390 million).
"The procured equipment is already proving its effectiveness on the battlefield, strengthening our ability to resist the enemy and bring victory closer. We hope that Denmark's example will inspire other countries to take similar initiatives, as this will help make a joint contribution to the future security of Europe and the world," said Ukraine's Defence Minister Rustem Umerov.
And Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen expressed hope that more countries would consider supporting Ukraine through its defence industry and promised that his country would continue to lead the way.
According to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence, Denmark does not stop supporting Ukraine. It has already reserved €135 million for further procurement in the Ukrainian defence industry in 2025. In addition, approximately €43 million is planned to be allocated from Norway.
- In 2024, Ukraine and Denmark launched a new mechanism for financing arms purchases for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, called the Danish model. It involves financing of Ukrainian defence companies by the Danish government.
- Ukraine compiles a list of projects that require funding, and Danish experts check the recommended companies, assess their capacity and experience in executing contracts.
- At the first stage of the Danish model, Ukraine received Bohdan self-propelled artillery systems. Subsequently, the production of long-range drones, anti-tank and anti-ship missiles was financed.
- On 13 June 2024, Ukraine and Denmark signed a memorandum on the purchase of weapons and military equipment from Ukrainian manufacturers.
- Back in the spring, the Danish Minister of Defence proposed that Denmark, in cooperation with Ukraine, place orders directly with the Ukrainian defence industry.