Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen calls for rebuilding and stabilization efforts in Ukraine

The Permanent Council of the OSCE convened extraordinarily on 24 February 2023 to commemorate one full year of the Russian war against Ukraine. Below you can read the messages delivered by Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Denmark

Thank you Mr. Chair

While Denmark fully aligns with the statement delivered by Mr. Borrell, the High Representative of the European Union, I would like to add the following in my national capacity.

The 24th of February last year was one of the darkest days in our recent history. The brutality of Russia’s troops has horrified us again and again.

But let me be clear once more: We will continue our support to Ukraine. We are committed. And we will remain so.

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Mr. Chair

We state our deep condemnation of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine every week in the Hofburg. Today, I want to talk about the future of Ukraine.

I recently visited Mykolaiv with its buildings reduced to rubble. Lack of running water. Lack of heating. Yet, thousands of people have returned since Ukraine regained control over the area. This is the spirit of resilience, we must support.

We need to help Ukraine rebuild, and we need to start now. We must invest in the Ukrainian economy, we must rebuild infrastructure and improve livelihoods.

It is not too early for such efforts. On the contrary, it is essential for the resilience of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people to be able to continue their fight for freedom. They are not only fighting for themselves, but for all of Europe’s freedom.

We can do this while also continuing to provide military support and meet urgent humanitarian needs. And we will continue to do so for as long as it takes.

Because we stand with Ukraine.

Thank you Mr. Chair.