Ukraine’s future security guarantees must include Danish model weapons funding - PM

Svyrydenko says that today she had a friendly and constructive conversation with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. The main topic was the start of negotiations on EU membership.

"Ukraine is fully prepared to open the first three negotiation clusters without delay and to complete preparations for all others by the end of this year. The opening of these clusters would serve not only as a procedural step but as a powerful signal to every Ukrainian that our European future is secure and irreversible," the Prime Minister says.

Svyrydenko tells Frederiksen that after the negotiations in Washington, Ukraine is working on a framework of security guarantees.

"Ukraine’s position remains resolute: no territorial concessions, no compromise on sovereignty, and no constraints on our right to defend ourselves," the head of the Ukrainian government emphasizes.

In turn, Frederiksen confirms that Denmark will continue to strongly support Ukraine on its path to the EU and in strengthening its defense.

"We discussed Denmark’s exemplary model of defense assistance, which integrates government funding, international contributions, and direct procurement from the Ukrainian defense sector. This approach provides a transparent, efficient means of strengthening Ukraine’s security and serves as a valuable blueprint for future guarantees that will protect not only Ukraine but the security of Europe as a whole," Svyrydenko says.

Danish model weapons funding

In 2024, partners began purchasing weapons for Ukraine directly from domestic manufacturers. Denmark was the first to do so, and other countries later joined the project, including the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Canada, and the Baltic states.

This initiative allows for the simultaneous strengthening of Ukraine's defense capabilities and support for its economy.

The Danish model has financed the production of critically important weapons, including the Bohdana self-propelled artillery systems. Such purchases focus on what can be quickly produced and used on the front lines—drones and artillery.

Last year, more than $500 million of the total $1.5 billion was used under the Danish model. Work is currently underway to potentially expand the project's capabilities.

Ukrainska Bronetekhnika, a company that manufactures armored vehicles, drones, ammunition, and other equipment, confirmed to RBC-Ukraine that the Danish model is currently a working and fairly effective aid mechanism. It is implemented in two formats, depending on the source of funding.

The first format involves funds for the purchase of weapons being collected by partners—Denmark, Norway, and other countries. The second format involves the purchase of weapons using proceeds from frozen Russian assets.