PRESS RELEASE : Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed with the Prime Ministers of Denmark and Spain the issues of strengthening defense capabilities, rebuilding and supporting Ukraine’s integration into the EU

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 21 April 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Spain Pedro Sánchez and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Denmark Mette Frederiksen who are on a visit to our country.

The Ukrainian President noted that the joint visit of the heads of government of European states is an important signal of solidarity and support for the Ukrainian people and the unity of Ukraine with the EU states in the fight against Russian aggression.

During the meeting in Kyiv, the interlocutors discussed in detail the possibilities of strengthening Ukraine’s armed response to the aggressor, rebuilding our state after winning the war and future membership in the European Union.

“We have crucial difficult days ahead, a crucial battle for our state, for our land, for the Ukrainian Donbas. We are doing everything we can so that our defenders can defend our land and protect their own lives very effectively. Ukraine’s needs have been explained to our guests today. We are waiting for the prompt aid from them,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said at a meeting with media representatives following talks with the Prime Ministers of Spain and Denmark.

The President thanked both countries for their assistance in strengthening the capabilities of Ukraine’s defense forces.

Also during the talks, the parties agreed to continue to work actively to increase sanctions pressure on Russia.

“This pressure must increase until the aggression on the part of the Russian Federation is terminated. And I really want all these sanctions to be profound and really effective, so that the Russian Federation really feels it. If there is a disconnection from SWIFT, do it to all banks. Don’t just raise the issue of restricting energy supplies from Russia to Europe, but specifically impose an embargo on oil and gas,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

In addition, the President of Ukraine discussed with Pedro Sánchez and Mette Frederiksen the strengthening of financial support and specific projects of the post-war reconstruction of our state, the patronage of which could be undertaken by Denmark and Spain.

“So that every person from one state or another feels that he or she has made a great, historical contribution to the reconstruction of Ukraine,” the President said.

The parties paid special attention to Ukraine’s movement towards membership in the European Union.

“Ukraine, we believe, deserves faster accession to the EU. We really count on your support, on the support of your teams, your people and communities. We consider ourselves equal, not better than you, but definitely equal. And we really want to be in alliance with partners and friends who are here today and who help us,” the President stressed.

For her part, Mette Frederiksen noted that Denmark has provided substantial political, financial and sanctions assistance to Ukraine from the very beginning, as well as the necessary equipment and weapons. She announced a new contribution to Ukrainian defense and security in the amount of DKK 600,000.

The Prime Minister noted the importance of demining the de-occupied territories and restoring the work of utilities so that people could return to normal life as soon as possible.

Mette Frederiksen said that during the current visit she visited Borodyanka in the Kyiv region and saw with her own eyes what was happening there during the Russian occupation. She expressed support for the Ukrainian people.

The Prime Minister of Denmark emphasized the support of the International Criminal Court for the documentation of all crimes committed by Russia against Ukraine, as well as the support of affected families who deserve justice. “We must ensure that all those responsible for crimes are punished,” she added.

The Prime Minister of Denmark informed that her country officially confirmed the consent to the offer put forward by Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the speech in the Danish Parliament concerning the participation in the reconstruction of Mykolaiv.

“Putin tried to divide us – to sow discord between Europe and Ukraine. He was defeated in this. What happened in the last month is undoubtedly an expression of extraordinary solidarity with Ukraine, which has in fact become part of Europe. The EU and global partners have imposed unprecedented sanctions on Russia, and together we will do even more,” said Mette Frederiksen.

Pedro Sánchez also assured that Spain and its people support Ukraine in defending freedom and European democratic values, strongly condemn Russia’s actions and stand against this unjust war.

He stressed that Spain will fully support Ukraine on its path to EU membership.

“We support, Mr. President, your intention to join the European family. You have the right to choose your destiny and you have a very legitimate reason to do so by joining the common European home,” said Pedro Sánchez, addressing Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

He condemned the atrocities committed by the occupiers in Ukraine which cannot go unpunished. Pedro Sánchez said that Spain would assist in the investigation of crimes by sending a group of experts of various kinds, including forensic experts.

“We want Putin to bear responsibility for his crimes, for the crimes of his country. We will help Ukraine, the Ukrainian people until we achieve our goal – freedom and peace for Ukraine,” the Spanish Prime Minister assured.

Pedro Sánchez reminded that in recent weeks, Spain has provided assistance to Ukraine’s medical system, military equipment and weapons. Spain has contributed € 120 million to the European Peace Fund and supported the humanitarian package with a € 31 million contribution. The funds will be directed primarily to the needs of women and children.

He assured that assistance will be further provided. The Prime Minister of Spain said that a new cargo of 200 tons of ammunition and other materiel is already arriving in Ukraine.

Pedro Sánchez also said that Spain aims to restore the work of its embassy in Ukraine.