Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen spoke today before the Ukrainian parliament, where she emphasized that the whole of Denmark is behind the Ukrainians.
While addressing Ukrainian parliament Mette Frederiksen said ,”I am deeply humbled to have the opportunity to speak to you today.
I want to start by telling you about the Danish freedom fighter Kim Malthe-Bruun. He fought for our freedom during World War II.
Kim Malthe-Bruun was executed by the Nazis in April, 1945.
Just before, he wrote a letter to his mother. Writing his last thoughts. His beliefs. Saying goodbye.
Let me share some of his final words:
“Follow me, dear mother. On my way”.
“I have never regretted the road I took. I have never failed my heart. I am not old. I should not die. But somehow, it seems natural. […] The time is short. But my mind is calm.”
“I am small. And my person will soon be forgotten. But the idea. The life. The inspiration that filled me will live on.”
“I wanted to see the children. To live with them again. My heart beats with joy when I think of them. And I hope they will grow up to see more than just the road ahead. That their minds will be free. Never oppressed.”
“I see our country. […] What our dream must be. A unity. Pure human ideal. That every farmer, every citizen can see. Can feel. Work for. Fight for.”
“Finally, she who is mine. Make her see the stars shine. […] Help her live on.”
“Written in haste. Your oldest and only son. Kim.”
* * *
Kim Malthe-Bruun was captured and murdered by the Nazis. He was 21 years old.
Dear Members of the Rada. People of Ukraine. Dear friends.
For 117 days, you have been defending yourselves. Against a brutal and shameless aggressor.
Words cannot describe what you have suffered.
Attacks against civilians. Thousands of lost lives. Millions of families forced to flee. Barbaric acts. War crimes.
Now, it is your 21-year-old men and women who are dying.
Our thoughts are with them and their families.
It is painful. It is wrong. I know my words can never be strong enough.
The destruction of war is heart-breaking.
I saw it with my own eyes, when I visited Borodyanka in April. I met people who had seen the evil.
But I saw something else as well.
Something that I believe will decide the course of this war.
I saw the incredible strength of the Ukrainian people.
The power of a proud nation. The iron will of a free people.
Impossible to crush.
You have stood up against an overwhelming Russian army. Over and over again.
You held on to Mariupol longer than anyone thought possible.
You defended your capital. Sunk the warship in the black sea. Defended Kharkhiv and Mykolaiv. You pushed the Russians back. Made them retreat.
You stand your ground.
Making Russia pay for every inch of land they try to take.
Dear Ukrainians.
On behalf of the Danish people: You have our deepest and utmost respect.
You are fighting – not only for your own country. But for free nations all over the world.
It is a war between freedom and oppression. Between democracy and tyranny.
A war none of us can afford to lose.
* * *
We are at a defining moment for Europe.
What we do now. Will define not only our future. But also, who we are.
70 years ago, European nations rose from the ashes of World War 2. And formed the unique community now known as the European Union.
Built upon strong values. Peace. Justice. Human rights. Democracy. The right of any nation to choose its own future.
For many years, we have praised ourselves of these values.
The truth is. There have been times when we did not live up to them. Moments where we were to slow to understand what was going on. Hesitated. Did not do enough.
Yugoslavia in the 90s. Ukraine in 2014. Those were not proud times for Europe.
But dear members of the Rada. Now is not one of those moments.
We need to show you. And the rest of the world. That our European values are not just words. They are what we live by.
And if we fail to help you. If we fail to push back Putin. Then we fail ourselves.
Your freedom is our freedom.
We cannot let you down.
* * *
Denmark – all of Denmark – stand behind you.
Along with the rest of the free world.
Together, we have imposed historic sanctions on Russia.
To weaken the Russian economy. To weaken Putin.
And make no mistake: We are not done yet.
Denmark is committed to the strongest possible pressure on Putin. To impose more sanctions with our partners in the EU. And other friends. Transatlantic.
I know, however, that what you need the most right now, is weapons –
“not a ride.”
That is why Denmark has decided to provide you with that. To donate weapons. Military equipment.
And to actually deliver them. So they can make a real difference on the ground. Help you defeat Russia.
Of course, we are also supplying humanitarian aid. And financial support.
And we will continue to do everything we can. To supply you with what you need.
Denmark has made a pledge. To help rebuild Ukraine.
The work has already begun.
While many Ukrainians return home, we work with our partners to remove mines.
We help you take the first steps – to rebuild the areas where you have pushed out the Russians.
And we have accepted the request of President Zelenskyy. To take a leading role in the reconstruction of the city of Mykolaiv.
* * *
8 years ago, you made a choice.
You chose Europe.
And there can be no doubt: Ukraine is part of our European family.
To use the words of one of your famous poets, Taras Shevchenko: “The great new family. The family of the free.”
Your brave fight against Russia shows your commitment to the European values. To freedom.
I welcome your request to join the European Union.
And Denmark supports candidate status for Ukraine.
The road to EU membership can be – as you know – long and demanding.
There are requirements that need to be met. We cannot change that.
But we will support you every step of the way.
You belong in Europe. And Europe belongs to you.
* * *
Dear members of the Rada. Dear people of Ukraine.
You have been fighting for 117 days. And none of us knows when the killings and the war will end.
But we see your strength. We see your courage.
I am certain that you will win this war.
I am also certain that once the war is over. A new and stronger Ukraine will arise.
Democracy will win.
Peace will be restored.
Ukraine will be free.
Thank you. Slava Ukraini!”
Ukraine President Zelenskyy thanked Denmark PM Mette Frederiksen ,in a tweet Zelenskyy said ,”Had a phone conversation with 🇩🇰@Statsmin Mette Frederiksen. I am grateful for Copenhagen’s support for granting Ukraine EU candidate status. We appreciate the practical assistance with weapons to our Armed Forces. Discussed the forthcoming NATO Summit “.
Had a phone conversation with 🇩🇰@Statsmin Mette Frederiksen. I am grateful for Copenhagen's support for granting Ukraine EU candidate status. We appreciate the practical assistance with weapons to our Armed Forces. Discussed the forthcoming NATO Summit #EmbraceUkraine
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) June 21, 2022
Topics
Russia Ukraine War Denmark EU Parliament Administration Europe