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It's almost two years since Russia attacked Ukraine. And it is clear that Russia wants war more than peace.
I will not hide the fact that we stand here today against a serious backdrop. Russia is transitioning to a war economy. Political opponents are being eliminated. And Putin has shown his willingness to sacrifice the country's young men on the battlefield.
Right now, the situation in Ukraine is critical. And Ukraine is especially short of ammunition. Without it, it's hard to hold out. And even harder to push Russian troops back.
In other words, we are in a difficult situation. In Europe as a whole. And in Ukraine most of all.
It is the most serious security policy situation since the end of the Cold War. And the Danish government cannot stress enough how important it is that Ukraine receives the military capabilities it needs.
The Minister of Defense, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and I have recently had several conversations with our close allies. Both neighbors here in Europe and on the other side of the Atlantic.
What they have in common is seriousness, but fortunately also determination. And a realization that if we don't act now. If we do not stand together. Then Ukraine will not stand either. And Europe potentially won't stand either.
Denmark is one of the countries that supports Ukraine the most. I am proud of that. And I would like to thank you for the massive support we receive from all parts of Danish society.
Today, we are presenting yet another Danish donation package to Ukraine. The 15th of its kind. For just over DKK 1.7 billion.
So far, Denmark has spent more than DKK 33 billion on military support to Ukraine. This includes tanks, anti-aircraft guns, ammunition and training of Ukrainian soldiers. And of course, our F-16 aircraft.
We know that these donations make a difference. They have helped the Ukrainians against the Russians for two years too long.
As we enter the third year of the war, there is a need to do even more. You can't win a war with words. That's why we need all allies to donate more. And we are in a hurry.
Of course, Russia must not be allowed to determine Europe's borders by force. Freedom and democracy must win in the end.
Today, we are therefore also announcing that we have reached an agreement with Ukraine on a Danish security commitment.
This is something we have been negotiating for some time. We promised it in connection with the NATO summit in Vilnius. It is part of an international effort to future-proof and clarify support for Ukraine. Towards Ukraine. And towards Russia.
Much of what we are doing now is, of course, about the path towards Ukrainian membership of NATO.
We have chosen to make a security commitment that will apply for ten years. So Ukraine can see a future of peace. So they know they can count on Denmark.
Several European countries - England, France and Germany - have made similar security commitments.
This is very positive. And absolutely necessary. More will follow.
With these commitments, the international community is sending a strong and unambiguous signal that we are fully behind Ukraine. Also in the long term.
If we look away from Ukraine for a moment, it is our firm belief that Russia is a growing threat.
They are behaving more and more aggressively. And in our view, there is no way around a true European rearmament. Therefore, we must quickly strengthen our defenses.
We are doing this in Denmark, where we are embarking on a historic boost to our defense and security with an investment of DKK 155 billion. But we expect that we will need more.
The same goes for our allies. Significantly more are now meeting the 2 percent target. And our unity in both the EU and NATO is not only encouraging. It is also our strongest defense against Putin.
What we are facing will be expensive. But freedom comes with a price.
We are at the dawn of a new era, where what has prevailed in Danish and European defense for three decades is over.
Therefore, it is crucial that we quickly strengthen the European defense industry. More capabilities must be produced on our own soil. And with greater speed.
There's a before and an after February 24, 2022 The world has become a more dangerous place. We need to recognize and act on that.
Words do not bring peace. And time does not help Ukraine. Only action counts on the battlefield. That's why we will continue donations for as long as necessary.
Because - and this cannot be emphasized enough - Ukraine's fight is also our fight. A fight for a free and peaceful Europe. A fight for everything we believe in.
That is why Denmark is exactly where we need to be. Together with Ukraine. And we will not budge an inch.
4th Security Agreement Signed Following UK, Germany and France.
Last edited by Ryuu96 - on 22 February 2024
