Denmark’s new aid package coincides with ongoing US-led attempts to mediate a resolution between Russia and Ukraine.
Denmark has pledged $618 million in new military aid to Ukraine, primarily focused on artillery ammunition. This support arrives as the United States actively seeks a negotiated settlement between Moscow and Kyiv, who recently engaged in their first face-to-face discussions in three years.
The Danish Defense Ministry stated on Saturday that the package includes funding for artillery systems, ammunition, and equipment for the Ukrainian Air Force. This assistance, valued at 4.2 billion Danish kroner, will be distributed through 2028. It’s financed through the EU’s Ukraine Fund for military support and reimbursed via the European Peace Facility.
A substantial portion of Denmark’s contribution is earmarked for the Czech Ammunition Initiative, established in 2024 by Denmark, the Czech Republic, and the Netherlands. The initiative aims to fund the procurement of up to 800,000 large-caliber shells for Ukraine.
However, the program has faced scrutiny. An investigation by RFE/RL, a US state-funded broadcaster, and other media outlets revealed that Czech companies involved in sourcing artillery shells for Ukraine levied commissions up to four times higher than those charged by Ukrainian state agencies. Additionally, some deliveries were delayed, potentially impacting Ukraine’s defense strategy. There have also been reports of substandard ammunition in certain instances.
Ukraine has consistently voiced concerns about ammunition shortages and Russia’s artillery superiority, urging its Western allies to increase military supplies as European contractors struggle to meet the surging demand.
This announcement comes as the US government, under President Donald Trump, persists in its mediation efforts. Last week, Russia and Ukraine held a two-hour meeting in Istanbul, their first direct peace talks since 2022. During the meeting, both sides exchanged lists outlining conditions for a potential ceasefire, agreed to a significant prisoner exchange, and explored the possibility of future discussions.
Russia has repeatedly condemned Western arms shipments to Ukraine, asserting that they will only prolong the conflict without altering its ultimate outcome and will place an additional economic burden on ordinary taxpayers.
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