The Copenhagen talks coincided with the start of US-mediated negotiations between Ukraine and Russia in Abu Dhabi.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held security talks with Nordic leaders in Copenhagen on Tuesday, as Denmark unveiled a new military aid package for Ukraine worth 4.8 billion kroner (€643 million).
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Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen told reporters that Denmark would also give 150 million kroner (€20 million) to support Ukraine’s energy sector.
Television footage showed Zelenskyy’s plane landing in the Danish capital. On the same day, direct talks between Ukraine and Russia, mediated by the United States, got under way in Abu Dhabi.
“I am proud to welcome President Zelenskyy and the Nordic leaders to Denmark. The Ukrainians’ fight for a free Ukraine and a free Europe continues,” Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said in a statement.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Finland’s Prime Minister Petteri Orpo were also expected in Copenhagen.
“Almost five years after the full-scale invasion, the rain of bombs targeting civilians, relief centres, and water and heating plants continues. That is why we must stand firm,” Frederiksen said.
Nordic tensions over Putin call
The Nordic countries are among Ukraine’s strongest backers. At the end of October, Zelenskyy travelled to Oslo to meet US envoys.
After that meeting, Støre and Finnish President Alexander Stubb spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin by phone for 90 minutes. Stubb described the conversation as “frank and substantive”.
Frederiksen criticised the call, saying it had not been coordinated with the other Nordic countries.
Security stepped up in Copenhagen
There was a heavy police presence outside the Danish prime minister’s office during the visit. Copenhagen police said security would be tightened over the coming days and drones would be banned over the capital until 12 November.