On the 245th day of the war, on 26 October 2022, the Ambassador of Ukraine to Denmark Mykhailo Vydoinyk solemnly presented “The Order of Merit” of the First Grade to Minister for Defence of the Kingdom of Denmark Morten Bødskov for his personal contribution to the development of Ukrainian-Danish partnership relations, as well as to strengthening the defence capabilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and supporting Ukraine in countering Russian military aggression.
From the first days of the full-scale Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Morten Bødskov has been personally involved in resolving issues of transferring weapons to Ukraine and protective equipment for Ukrainian military personnel.
With his personal participation, on 11 August 2022, the Donor Conference for Northern European Allies of Ukraine at the level of defence ministers was held in Copenhagen to provide a package strengthening of Ukraine′s defence capabilities, including by the industrialization of ammunition production, the creation of high-tech weapons and military equipment, high-quality professional training of the Ukrainian military, etc.
The awarding of Morten Bødskov with “The Order of Merit” took place on the basis of Decree of the President of Ukraine No. 595/2022 of 23 August 2022 “On Decorating with State Awards of Ukraine” for outstanding personal merits in strengthening interstate cooperation, support for the state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, significant contribution to the popularization of the Ukrainian state in the world.
The award of the President of Ukraine “The Order of Merit” was established in 1996 to award citizens of Ukraine and foreigners for outstanding personal achievements in the economic, scientific, social, cultural, military, state, public and other spheres of activity for the benefit of Ukraine.
“The Order of Merit” of the First Grade is exclusively awarded to Heads of States, Heads of Governments, Speakers of Parliaments, and Ministers of foreign sovereign states.