A diplomatic representation of the Ukrainian People's Republic is opened in Copenhagen. Dmytro Levytskyi, a Ukrainian public and political figure, becomes the first Ambassador of Ukraine to Denmark.
With the signing of the United Nations Charter on October 24, 1945, the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic (Ukrainian SSR) and the Kingdom of Denmark become co-founders of the United Nations. From 1945 to 1991, Ukraine participates in the work of this international organization as the Ukrainian SSR, and from the moment of independence — as Ukraine.
Denmark, together with nine other European states, creates the Council of Europe by signing the London Agreement on May 5, 1949. Ukraine becomes a member of the Council of Europe on November 9, 1995.
Denmark becomes one of the founding countries of NATO by signing the North Atlantic Treaty on April 4, 1949.
On January 1, 1973, Denmark joins the European Communities, which became the predecessor of the modern European Union.
Denmark becomes one of the signatories of the Helsinki Final Act, which initiates the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe. In 1995, the Conference changes its name to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and gains the status of an international organization. Ukraine becomes a participant in the OSCE on January 30, 1992.
On August 24, 1991, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopts the Act of Declaration of Independence of Ukraine. The Law of Ukraine "On the Legal Succession of Ukraine" dated September 12, 1991, declares Ukraine the legal successor of the Ukrainian SSR and partially the legal successor of the USSR.
On December 31, 1991, the Kingdom of Denmark recognizes the independence of Ukraine.
Ukraine and the Kingdom of Denmark conclude an Agreement on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations (in the form of an exchange of notes). It is agreed that the date of official establishment of diplomatic relations is the date of receiving the reply note from the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs by the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, namely February 12, 1992.
On February 7, 1992, the Maastricht Treaty is signed, which leads to the formation of the European Union. However, Danish citizens reject this Treaty in a referendum that year, and only a repeated referendum will open the way to ratification of this Treaty.
On August 22, 1992, the last President of the UPR in exile, Mykola Plavyuk, solemnly transfers the respective powers and regalia to the President of Ukraine, Leonid Kravchuk.
With the conclusion of the Edinburgh Agreement on December 31, 1992, Denmark is granted four exceptions to the Maastricht Treaty concerning the economic and monetary union, common security and defense policy, justice and internal affairs, and European Union citizenship. This allows Denmark to ratify the Edinburgh Agreement in a repeated referendum on May 18, 1993.
On February 8, 1994, Ukraine becomes the first CIS country to sign the Framework Document "Partnership for Peace" — a program of military cooperation between NATO and European states and former Soviet republics that are not members of the Alliance.
On April 29, 1994, the Agreement between the Government of Ukraine and the Government of the Kingdom of Denmark on the Promotion and Mutual Protection of Investments comes into force.
On March 1, 1998, the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Ukraine and the European Communities and their Member States comes into force, laying the legal foundation for Ukraine's relations with the European Union.
On July 4, 2002, the President of Ukraine, Leonid Kuchma, participates in the fifth Ukraine-EU summit, which takes place in Copenhagen during Denmark's presidency of the European Union. During the press conference after the negotiations, the Prime Minister of Denmark, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, states: "We consider Ukraine a key player on the European field."
In Ukraine, within the framework of the "Partnership for Peace" program, the first NATO Trust Fund for the disposal of light weapons, small arms, conventional ammunition, and anti-personnel mines is launched.
Negotiations begin between Ukraine and the European Union on concluding a new enhanced agreement to replace the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement.
On March 15-16, 2007, the President of Ukraine, Viktor Yushchenko, visits Denmark. During the visit, agreements are signed on visa facilitation and readmission of persons, a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the energy sector, agreements on cooperation between the Chambers of Commerce of both states, and on cooperation between the Ukrainian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs and the Confederation of Danish Industry.
On July 3, 2007, the Agreement between the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and the Government of the Kingdom of Denmark on Technical and Financial Cooperation comes into force, creating framework conditions for Denmark's technical assistance to Ukraine.
From June 5-9, 2011, the Crown Prince of Denmark, Frederik, makes an official visit to Ukraine. He participates in a Danish-Ukrainian business forum and visits the cities of Lviv and Melitopol. A Memorandum of Cooperation is signed between the Danish wind turbine production leader "Vestas" and the Ukrainian State Enterprise "Pivdenne Machine-Building Plant".
Ukraine chairs the OSCE, paying special attention to resolving long-standing conflicts in the OSCE space, the functioning of the conventional arms control regime in Europe, and enhancing the sound of energy issues in the OSCE. One of the key events of the chairmanship is the High-Level International Conference "Strengthening the Role of the OSCE in Combating Human Trafficking" (Kyiv, June 10-11, 2013).
On February 20, 2014, Russia's armed aggression against Ukraine begins, with Russian armed forces conducting a military operation to capture part of Ukraine's territory — the Crimean Peninsula. Denmark joins the group of co-authors of the UN General Assembly Resolution on the territorial integrity of Ukraine, adopted on March 27, 2014, at the 68th session of the UN General Assembly, which confirms Ukraine's internationally recognized borders and the lack of any legal grounds for changing the status of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol.
From March 2014, the European Union gradually introduces restrictive measures against Russia in response to the illegal annexation of Crimea and deliberate destabilization of Ukraine.
Denmark becomes one of 13 international partners of the UN Recovery and Peacebuilding Program, which works in 6 regions of Ukraine. The program aims to strengthen public safety and social cohesion, support the economic reconstruction of communities affected by the conflict, and implement decentralization and healthcare reforms in the government-controlled territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
After the start of Russia's aggression against Ukraine, 6 new NATO Trust Funds are launched to support Ukraine. They are aimed at improving command and communication systems, logistics, rehabilitation and retraining of former military personnel, as well as demining and countering improvised explosive devices. Denmark becomes a contributor to four Trust Funds: "Modernization of Command, Control, Communication and Computerization Systems", "Logistics and Standardization Systems Reform", "Professional Development Program", and "Disposal of Explosive Objects and Countering Improvised Explosive Devices".
The Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU is signed, which becomes the largest international legal document in Ukraine's history in terms of scope and thematic coverage, and the largest international treaty ever concluded by the European Union with a third country. The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and the European Parliament synchronously ratify the Agreement on September 16, 2014, with Denmark ratifying the Agreement on December 18, 2014.
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, by Law No. 35-VIII of December 23, 2014, abolishes the non-aligned status of the Ukrainian state.
In January 2015, with the support of Denmark, the Ukrainian-Danish Energy Center is opened on the basis of the Ministry of Energy and Coal Industry of Ukraine. Its activities are aimed at reducing the consumption of traditional energy resources and developing renewable energy sources in Ukraine, strengthening energy security, and creating favorable conditions for attracting investments in sustainable energy in Ukraine.
On April 19, 2016, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Denmark, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, visits Ukraine. This is the first visit of a Danish prime minister to Ukraine in the history of bilateral relations. During the visit, a Ukraine-Denmark business forum is held, with the participation of 37 Danish leading companies working in the sectors of animal husbandry, food processing, energy efficiency, renewable energy sources, IT, and engineering.
Denmark becomes a co-author of the UN General Assembly Resolution "Situation of Human Rights in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the City of Sevastopol (Ukraine)", adopted on December 19, 2016, during the 71st session of the UN General Assembly. The resolution condemns serious human rights violations by Russia in Crimea and recognizes Russia as an occupying state. Updated resolutions with the same title are adopted by the UN General Assembly in subsequent years, with Denmark consistently being a co-author of each.
On April 5, 2017, on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations, the President of Ukraine, Petro Poroshenko, visits Denmark. During the visit, a Memorandum of Understanding in the fields of energy efficiency and renewable energy is signed between the two countries. The head of the Ukrainian state thanks Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II of Denmark for comprehensive support of Ukraine.
On June 11, 2017, a visa-free regime is introduced between Ukraine and the European Union, allowing Ukrainian citizens to freely cross the external borders of the European Union, including traveling to Denmark.
During Denmark's chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on February 21, 2018, the current Council of Europe Action Plan for Ukraine for 2018-2022 is approved. Denmark becomes the seventh-largest contributor to this Plan. After announcing an additional contribution in 2021 (bringing the total to almost €2.135 million), Denmark becomes the fifth-largest donor country to this Plan.
On June 27, 2018, Copenhagen hosts the Second International Conference on Reforms in Ukraine. The open plenary session and thematic panels are attended by Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman, Prime Minister of Denmark Lars Løkke Rasmussen, British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Boris Johnson, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini, and other high-ranking representatives from many countries worldwide. The visit to Denmark becomes the first international visit of the then head of the Ukrainian government.
Denmark becomes a co-author of the UN General Assembly Resolution "Problem of the militarization of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, Ukraine, as well as parts of the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov", adopted on December 17, 2018, during the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly. The resolution calls on Russia to stop hindering the legitimate right to freedom of navigation in the Black and Azov Seas and the Kerch Strait. Updated resolutions with the same title are adopted by the UN General Assembly in subsequent years, with Denmark consistently being a co-author of each.
From 2019, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine, with the support of the Danish Government, launches the "Human Rights for Ukraine" project, which supports the regional network of the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights and a network of public monitors throughout Ukraine.
Additionally, the governments of Denmark, Sweden, and Switzerland announce the start of the project "Effective Governance and Civic Engagement to Improve Access to Justice, Security, Environmental Protection, and Social Cohesion in Eastern Ukraine", which aims to promote effective governance and social cohesion in the region.
On June 12, 2020, the North Atlantic Council recognizes Ukraine as a partner with enhanced opportunities.
On June 16, 2020, the Verkhovna Rada ratifies the Framework Agreement between the Government of Ukraine and the Government of the Kingdom of Denmark regarding general conditions and procedures, organizational measures, and financial conditions for implementing the Sustainable Infrastructure Financing Program. This creates the legal basis for launching the Program in Ukraine, within which interest-free loans will be provided to support sustainable public infrastructure projects.
On April 6, 2021, the Ukrainian-Danish Youth House is opened, becoming a platform for democratic dialogue, creativity, and joint socio-political activities of youth from Ukraine and Denmark.
On April 21, 2021, the first Ukrainian-language audio guide in Denmark is launched in the National History Museum of Denmark at Frederiksborg Castle.
On July 7, 2021, in interaction with the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine and the Ministry of Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine, the Ukrainian-Danish Energy Partnership Program (UDEPP) is initiated. The program is aimed at implementing Danish energy solutions and technologies in the field of green energy, as well as transferring Danish experience in modernizing centralized heating systems.
On August 23, 2021, the inaugural summit of the Crimea Platform — an international format created by Ukraine to consolidate efforts for the de-occupation of Crimea — takes place in Kyiv. Denmark participates in the Summit and becomes a signatory to the Joint Declaration of Participants of the International Crimea Platform.
On December 18, 2021, a Memorandum of Understanding is signed between the Ministry of Infrastructure of Ukraine and the Ministry of Defense of the Kingdom of Denmark regarding cooperation in the development and enhancement of Ukraine's maritime potential, which creates prerequisites for Danish companies to build multi-purpose vessels at Ukrainian shipyards.
On February 24, 2022, Russia launched an unjustified and unprovoked large-scale military invasion of Ukraine, which Denmark recognizes as a gross violation of international law, an attack on the international legal order and democratic values.
On June 23, 2022, the leaders of 27 EU member states approved the decision to grant Ukraine candidate status for EU membership.
Denmark became a co-author of the UN General Assembly Resolution "Territorial integrity of Ukraine: defending the principles of the Charter of the United Nations", adopted on October 12, 2022, which became an important part of the international toolkit for holding Russia accountable. Denmark also co-authored the UN General Assembly Resolution "Furtherance of remedy and reparation for aggression against Ukraine", adopted on November 14, 2022, which creates a mechanism for compensating Ukraine for damages caused by the war initiated by Russia. Both Resolutions were adopted during the 11th Emergency Special Session of the UN General Assembly dedicated to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The amount of assistance provided by Denmark to Ukraine in 2022 amounted to 751 million euros, of which military support reached 565 million euros.
Denmark became a co-author of the UN General Assembly Resolution "Principles of the Charter of the United Nations underlying a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine", which on February 23, 2023, received support from 141 countries worldwide and consolidated the key provisions of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Peace Formula.
Denmark participated in all coalitions supporting Ukraine created in 2023 - artillery, armored vehicle, aviation, IT, and maritime capabilities development coalitions. Together with the United States, Denmark led the aviation coalition, committing to transfer 19 F-16 fighters to Ukraine and prepare pilots and technical personnel for them.
On June 24-25, 2023, Copenhagen hosted the first meeting of national security advisors and political directors from Ukraine, the Group of Seven countries, and other key global players to discuss international support for Ukraine's Peace Formula.
Denmark was one of the first states to join the Group of Seven Joint Declaration on Supporting Ukraine, concluded during the NATO Vilnius Summit.
In 2023, Denmark transferred fourteen military aid packages to Ukraine, each unanimously supported by all parties in the country's parliament. Such unconditional support for Ukraine by all political forces in Denmark was recorded for the first time in the history of bilateral relations.
The amount of assistance provided by Denmark to Ukraine in 2023 reached 3.9 billion euros, of which military support amounted to 3.7 billion euros.
On February 23, 2024, Ukraine and Denmark signed the Agreement on Security Cooperation and Long-Term Support, which established the main components of Denmark's security commitments, including military and financial assistance (8.5 billion euros until 2028). Denmark became the first Scandinavian country and the fourth overall to conclude such an agreement with Ukraine.
In 2024, Denmark provided Ukraine with nine military aid packages, bringing the total number since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion to 23 packages. As a co-leader of the F-16 coalition, Denmark ensured the transfer of 12 aircraft and confirmed plans to transfer a total of 19 fighters. The country also joined coalitions for integrated air and missile defense, maritime capabilities development, and drones.
By the end of 2024, Denmark ranked second in the world among countries spending the most on aid to Ukraine relative to their economic capacity (2.016% of GDP, with Estonia in first place at 2.2% of GDP).
In 2024, an innovative approach was the "Danish model" of direct financing of Ukraine's defense industry, with total commitments of over 563 million euros, of which 165 million euros were provided by the Danish government, and approximately 400 million euros were obtained from frozen Russian assets managed by Denmark on behalf of the EU.
In 2024, the Ukrainian-Danish energy partnership reached a new strategic level. Denmark became a co-leader of the "Energy Security" point of the Ukrainian Peace Formula. Throughout the year, Denmark provided 4 energy support packages totaling over 30 million euros.
In January, an office (chancellery) of the Danish Embassy was established in Mykolaiv. In September 2024, Denmark allocated the fifth package of assistance for Ukraine's recovery, amounting to 64 million euros, of which 44 million euros were directly designated for the Mykolaiv region.
The amount of assistance provided by Denmark to Ukraine in 2024 reached over 3.1 billion euros, of which military support was 2.8 billion euros.