Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, speaking to Danish MPs from the Folketing rostrum, urged Denmark and other European countries to join the FREYJA anti-ballistic defence programme and stressed the need for Europe to take part in talks on the continent’s future security.
This was reported by the Office of the President.
The Office of the President noted that Volodymyr Zelenskyy was the first foreign leader to address Danish MPs from the Folketing (Denmark’s parliament) rostrum.
“Thank you for giving us the confidence that, at any moment, Denmark is on our side, with Ukraine, with our people, our children, our soldiers, and that Denmark truly wishes Ukraine the very best. There is something truly special about that feeling — when you know someone sincerely wishes you well,” Zelenskyy said.
In his speech, the President recalled the anniversary of the end of the First World War, marked on 11 November. He drew parallels with Russia’s current aggression and said that Russia made a mistake in counting on quickly seizing Ukrainian territory.
Zelenskyy also stressed that modern wars are changing due to the development of drones, electronic warfare capabilities and artificial intelligence. In his words, the war in Ukraine and events in the Middle East show how closely interconnected the security of different regions of the world is.
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Zelenskyy separately mentioned the risks associated with a possible US military operation against Iran. He said this could affect Ukraine through rising prices and a shortage of missiles for Patriot systems, which protect Ukrainian cities from Russian ballistic strikes.
“In our world, nothing remains local. Nothing — especially wars and injustice. And it is particularly symbolic to speak about this today, on the anniversary of the end of the First World War. When a war drags on and no way out is found, other countries and other people around the world can also find themselves in a situation with no way out. That is why every country must not be indifferent. Every country must act,” the President stressed.
The head of state also mentioned the trilateral talks involving Ukrainian, American and Russian delegations that took place on 10–11 November in Abu Dhabi. He said Ukraine had defended its right to negotiate on equal terms thanks to the courage of its citizens and the support of its partners.
In particular, Zelenskyy thanked Denmark for the so-called Danish model of financing the production of Ukrainian weapons. According to him, the mechanism launched in 2024 has become an example for Ukraine’s cooperation with other partners.
He devoted a separate part of his speech to FREYJA, Europe’s anti-ballistic defence. He urged Denmark to support the programme, which, he said, has already been joined by 11 countries.
“I am glad that we have already prepared everything to open the FREYJA office right here in Copenhagen, together with our Norwegian friends. I urge you to support this programme,” Zelenskyy said.
The President also stressed that Europe must develop its own missile defence capabilities so as not to depend on other countries when it comes to protection against ballistic missiles.
In addition, Zelenskyy said Europe must take part in negotiations on the continent’s future security architecture.
“And when decisions are made about what the coming decades will look like here, in our part of the world — including during talks between America and Russia — Europe must be at the negotiating table. This is our firm position in Ukraine,” the head of state noted.
During the visit, Zelenskyy also met the Speaker of the Folketing, Henrik Frandsen, and the leaders of all 12 political parties in Denmark. The President thanked them for supporting Ukraine.
- On the eve of the visit, Denmark’s parliament unanimously voted for the 32nd package of defence assistance to Ukraine worth €645 million.