On the 366th day of the war, on 24 February 2023, Ukrainian flags were flying all over Denmark, in particular the symbol of Ukrainian love of freedom was raised on one of the country′s main flagpoles near the Folketing.
Ambassador of Ukraine to Denmark Mykhailo Vydoinyk took part in a church service at the Holmens parish and naval church. The ceremonial event, jointly organized by the Folketing and the Ukrainian Embassy, was dedicated to the tragic anniversary and combined religious and political components, in which priests and invited politicians expressed their hope for peace in Ukraine and reaffirmed the unwavering support of the Ukrainian people.
“Today, all of us, as Christians, replenish our spiritual strength in prayer. We ask that God gives us the opportunity to protect peace and defeat the evil that has come to our land. That God strengthens our faith, faith in the triumph of international law and justice,” said the Ukrainian Ambassador during his speech during the service.
After that, the Ambassador of Ukraine took part in a panel discussion organized by the Danish Chamber of Commerce, which in particular touched upon the issues of interaction between Ukrainian and Danish businesses during the war. During the event, an exhibition was opened of photographs by Danish photographer Jan Grarup covering the life of the Ukrainian civilian population during the war.
Next event organized by the municipality of Copenhagen brought together the Ukrainian community, displaced persons from Ukraine and Danes who help Ukraine. In particular, the Lord Mayor of Copenhagen, the Prime Minister, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Denmark and the Ukrainian Ambassador addressed those present with their speeches.
The Copenhagen City Hall, where the Ukrainian flag was also flying, was illuminated in yellow and blue colours. And the Danish Prime Minister said: “You are fighting not only for your own country, but for free nations all over the world. Defending the values that we all believe in – freedom, democracy, human rights, the right of any nation to choose its own future. You show us what true bravery is. And I can assure you, you will never be friendless.”
In the evening, the Head of the Ukrainian diplomatic mission took part in two mass demonstrations – a protest rally in front of the Russian Embassy in Copenhagen and a demonstration of solidarity with the Ukrainian people “Vesterbro supports Ukraine” on Enghave Plads.
The rally near the Russian Embassy called “Light will conquer darkness”, organized by the youth wings of Danish political parties, became a platform for speeches by the Head of the Danish government, leaders of Danish political forces, prominent Danish politicians who support Ukraine, as well as representatives of non-governmental and Ukrainian organizations in Denmark.
Speaking at the event, the Ambassador of Ukraine emphasized that the bond between the Ukrainian and Danish peoples is getting stronger because they share the same values and strive to live in a world in which international law is inviolable.
“No one can say when the war will end. But we know the recipe for victory. First, it is the will, courage and strength of the Ukrainian army. Resilience, heroism and motivation of all Ukrainians… As our great poet Taras Shevchenko said, God helps us in our fight! For fame and freedom march with us, And right is on our side!,” noted Mykhailo Vydoinyk.