On 4 May 2022, a public event “Light in the Darkness” took place on the squares of the two largest cities in Denmark – Copenhagen and Aarhus – dedicated to the anniversary of the liberation of Denmark from German occupation.

It was on this day 77 years ago, that the unconditional surrender of German troops was announced, and the five-year occupation of Denmark ended which had lasted since April 1940. The President of Ukraine noted that this day was the Danes’ dream of freedom and peace, and this dream became a reality when freedom and life won.

He recalled the war in Ukraine, which has already become as cruel as World War II and is still not going to stop on the Ukrainian soil. According to the President of Ukraine, it is being decided right now and in Ukraine how people will live on our continent. Whether there will be peace. Not only for us, but also for our neighbours, for you and us.

The Head of the Ukrainian state thanked for the assistance provided by Denmark in the fight against the Russian invader. “You are already helping us fight. We are grateful to you. Fight with weapons, with your "yes" vote for our accession to the European Union, with honesty in the issue of sanctions and with sincerity towards our people,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

Danish Prime Minister Matte Frederiksen in her address, which preceded the speech of the Ukrainian President, noted that the war in Ukraine reminded us all, that democracy did not just happen by itself, it was built on the ruins of World War II.

She stressed that Ukraine can count on Denmark and the Danes in protecting freedom. That is why, Denmark transfers weapons and military equipment to Ukraine, enacts sanctions, helps by providing humanitarian aid, and will participate in the rebuilding of Ukraine.

She also thanked all the Danes who are helping Ukrainian displaced persons and assured the Ukrainians who have found shelter in Denmark that the whole country will take care of them.

Traditionally, on 4 May, Danes light candles in their windows as a reminder of the years of Nazi occupation, when the whole country masked the light by covering windows with blackout curtains to protect cities from bombardments.

“We place candles in our windows to celebrate the liberation of Denmark… But tonight we will also light our candles for Ukraine. The candles are our symbol that hope and peace will prevail. A symbol of our resistance against the war – a resistance that unites the West,” said Matte Frederiksen.

On this day of remembrance of the victory over evil, the President of Ukraine asked the Danes to also remember 220 Ukrainian children whose lives were taken by the war. The Danes and Ukrainians honoured the memory of the victims of the war with a minute of silence.

Participants of the mass event held torches in their hands, and the speech of the President of Ukraine was broadcast live via video link. The event was organized by the Danish media company “JP/Politikens Hus”.

Photo Credit: Dagbladet Politiken