UWC President thanks Danish parliament for nation’s support of Ukraine

COPENHAGEN – Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) President Paul Grod delivered a speech to the Danish Parliament’s Foreign Policy Committee as part of his official 10-day visit to four northern European countries.

He thanked Danish lawmakers on Nov. 19 for their ongoing support of Ukraine as it endures a brutal Russian invasion, highlighting that their efforts “serve as an example for other nations.”

Denmark leads by example at every level, he said.

“Your commitment – from volunteers to civic organizations – inspires us. We sincerely thank you for your leadership,” Grod told the Danish members of parliament.

He also met with Denmark’s Foreign Affairs Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen to discuss further strengthening support for Ukraine.

The UWC delegation in Denmark included UWC Vice President for Northern Europe Roman Mykytenko; Chairperson of Association Ukrainians in Denmark Lesia Ignatyk-Eriksen; Chairperson of the Ukrainian organization “Lastivka” Lesya Rykhalska; and First Secretary of Ukrainian Embassy in Denmark Bohdan Kost.

In addition, Grod met with Copenhagen’s Employment and Integration Mayor Jens-Krisitian Lütken to discuss the integration of Ukrainian displaced persons into Danish society.

Earlier, Grod met with Charlotte Slente, secretary-general of the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), to discuss humanitarian challenges faced by Ukraine and its diaspora.

While emphasizing the DRC’s critical role with a staff of more than 800 people working in Ukraine, Grod expressed his appreciation for Denmark’s leadership in supporting Ukraine.

In turn, Slente shared her insights and stressed the importance of coordination with local authorities and civil society groups.

Grod also met with Denmark’s Minister of Defense Troels Lund Poulsen on the previous day, thanking him for Denmark’s continued support of Ukraine and urging the country to maintain its commitment to helping Ukraine in its fight against Russia.

Earlier in the visit, Grod met with the Ukrainian community in the Danish capital and leaders of Ukrainian communities across the country.

After the first leg of this visit, Grod embarks to Sweden, Norway, and Finland until Nov. 25. The mission is focusing on strengthening support for Ukraine, addressing issues that Ukrainian refugees face, and raising awareness of key humanitarian and historical concerns.