Long-term support and F-16 jets: Closer look at security agreement between Ukraine and Denmark

Ukraine and Denmark, by signing today's agreement, reaffirmed their solidarity regarding the fact that full-scale Russian aggression against Ukraine has led to extensive destruction and casualties among the civilian population, with enormous consequences for Ukraine, the whole of Europe, and the international community.

Denmark confirmed its unwavering support for the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders of 1991, including its territorial sea.

In particular, Denmark is ready to conduct consultations with Ukraine on a permanent basis regarding strategic issues and to coordinate and cooperate in providing support to strengthen Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression. Additionally, Denmark will welcome, among other things, regular strategic dialogue between the countries of Northern Europe and Ukraine on strengthening defense, resilience, and Ukraine's reform path.

"Denmark will continue its support to Ukraine for the ten-year duration of this Agreement," the agreement states.

Furthermore, Denmark’s Ukraine Fund, totaling €8.5 billion, covers ongoing support for the years 2023-2028. In 2024, military support will amount to at least €1.8 billion.

European and Euro-Atlantic integration

According to today's terms, Ukraine commits to implementing reforms defined by the EU, IMF, and NATO, covering governance, transparency, anti-corruption efforts, and democratic control over Ukraine's security and defense forces.

The implementation of these reforms by Ukraine is crucial in the context of its aspirations for EU and NATO membership.

This security commitment agreement will cover

• current, planned, and future contributions to Ukraine's defense,
• its resilience and future containment of Russian aggression.

Security commitments will be funded through multi-year funding of core military support, supplemented by broader elements of support in the civilian sector.

Containment and defense

"Since the start of Russia’s full-scale war of aggression in 2022, Denmark has been amongst the most significant contributors of military support to Ukraine and has pledged to sustain this level of support," the Office of the President reported.

Additionally, Denmark has led efforts to form an international coalition that will provide fighter jets to Ukraine.

"More specifically, Denmark will support efforts in securing a holistic F-16 capacity through the AFCC, including with the donation of fighter jets, ammunition, simulators and training as well as contributing to the long-term maintenance of the fighter jets and the establishment of the proper facilities in Ukraine," the agreement states.

Denmark will continue to make efforts to enhance the ability of Ukraine's Security and Defense Forces to defend against Russian aggression now and in the future and to contain further aggression, as well as to enhance compatibility with NATO standards.

Denmark's support will include short-term military needs as well as long-term capacity building for Ukraine's future defense forces.

This will be achieved through the provision of ongoing military support in various areas in coordination and cooperation with relevant international partners and institutions, focusing on:

• air force and air defense;
• maritime security;
• demining; technologies and drones,
• other key capabilities and urgent needs of Ukraine.

Cooperation in defense industry

Ukraine and Denmark will cooperate in the development of defense technologies, especially in the field of new technologies. Denmark will support the development of Ukraine's defense industry, including through investments, information exchange, joint research and development, and production.

Moreover, the parties will work on identifying sources of funding necessary for the development of Ukraine's defense-industrial base, including investments and financial assistance, especially during war and post-war recovery.

Cooperation in intelligence and security

Under the agreement, the parties will enhance cooperation in intelligence and security in accordance with relevant legal requirements and capabilities.

This will be achieved through, but not limited to, the exchange of intelligence information and cooperation, particularly in counterintelligence and training.

Additionally, the parties will seek to conclude a General Security of Information Agreement (GSOIA) between their countries, which will facilitate a broader exchange of information between various government agencies of Ukraine and Denmark.

Under the agreement, the countries will also cooperate in areas such as:

• reconstruction and resilience;
• cybersecurity and countering disinformation;
• political support;
• commitments to implementing reforms;
• support for accountability;
• sanctions.

The countries also discussed cooperation in the event of a future armed attack. Thus, in the event of a future Russian armed attack on Ukraine, at the request of any of the parties, consultations will be held within 24 hours on a bilateral basis or through other channels acceptable to both parties to determine appropriate further steps.

Denmark, in accordance with its legal and constitutional requirements, will provide rapid and continuous assistance in security, modern military equipment on land, at sea, and in the air, as well as economic assistance to impose economic and other costs on Russia and will consult on Ukraine's needs in exercising its right to self-defense, as enshrined in Article 51 of the UN Charter.

Security agreement

On February 16, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited France.

He met with President Emmanuel Macron. The leaders signed an agreement on security commitments for Ukraine.

On the same day, Ukraine concluded a similar agreement with Germany. More details about the document are available in the RBC-Ukraine material.