Ukraine has announced it will open a military office in Copenhagen to coordinate arms exports and manufacturing in cooperation with the Danish government, a move aimed at expanding its defense capabilities beyond its borders and strengthening its industrial presence in Europe. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated in a televised address that his country is preparing to open arms export offices in Berlin and Copenhagen before the end of the year. He explained that these offices will oversee the production and export of defense systems such as naval drones, heavy artillery, and combat vehicles. Zelenskyy emphasized that the revenue generated from these exports will be reinvested in supporting Ukraine's domestic defense industry to reduce its dependence on foreign aid.
Investment and defense cooperation agreements between Kyiv and Copenhagen
The Ukrainian and Danish governments signed a letter of intent for cooperation in defense procurement worth up to 4.2 billion Danish kroner, or approximately 563 million euros, according to a statement issued by the Danish Ministry of Defense. Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen announced that this cooperation will allow for the production of larger quantities of modern ammunition and weapons, adding that his country is responding to a direct request from the Ukrainian government to expand joint production. He explained that Denmark will contribute to financing and facilitating the establishment of weapons and equipment production lines at Danish sites using Ukrainian technology. The minister also noted that this step will strengthen Denmark's position as a key contributor to European defense and will create new jobs in the domestic defense industry.
Ukrainian production facilities on Danish soil
On July 4, 2025, Kyiv and Copenhagen signed an agreement allowing Ukrainian defense companies to establish production facilities in Denmark. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense described the agreement as the first of its kind, permitting the export of Ukrainian defense technology for independent industrial manufacturing. The ministry confirmed that participating companies would focus on producing defense components such as tactical drone systems, parts for short-range missile systems, and advanced electronic surveillance and reconnaissance units. Kyiv explained that these facilities would help ensure the continued supply of defense equipment to the Ukrainian military should factories within Ukraine be disrupted by Russian attacks.
Ukrainian rocket fuel production in Denmark
In September 2025, the Danish government announced that a Ukrainian company called Firepoint would begin producing long-range rocket fuel at a new facility being built near the Skjedstrup airbase in southern Denmark. The Danish Defense Minister confirmed that the project was part of a strategic partnership with Kyiv and aimed at developing joint defense technology capabilities. Reuters reported that the plant would supply Ukraine with domestically produced rocket fuel used in long-range systems such as the Grom-2, which Kyiv was developing. The government added that this move demonstrated clear support for Ukraine's military independence and Denmark's desire to strengthen its national security by contributing to the development of European defense capabilities.
Danish financial support for investment in the Ukrainian defense industry
In March 2025, Copenhagen announced €130 million in financial guarantees to support Danish companies investing in Ukraine's defense industry. The Danish Ministry of Defense stated that this initiative falls under what it calls the "Danish model," a new framework based on direct investment rather than traditional military aid. This model allows Danish companies to obtain government guarantees should their investments in Ukraine be at risk. The Kyiv Independent reported that this program has encouraged several Danish companies to enter into direct partnerships with Ukrainian firms specializing in the production of drones and electronic defense systems.
Establishing a defense industry center in Kyiv
In 2024, the Danish government opened a defense industry center within its embassy in Kyiv, aiming to foster cooperation between Danish and Ukrainian companies in military innovation and production. The center serves as an official platform, bringing together representatives from both the public and private sectors to facilitate joint projects and the exchange of technology and expertise. The Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained that the center will assist Ukrainian companies in integrating into the European market and modernizing their industrial capabilities to meet EU standards.
Transfer of military production to NATO countries
Business Insider reported that Ukraine has begun transferring some of its weapons production activities to NATO member states such as Denmark and Germany to reduce the risk of Russian attacks on its defense facilities. The newspaper indicated that Kyiv benefits from its inclusion in a Western security network, allowing it to manufacture weapons in areas less vulnerable to attack without triggering a direct confrontation between Russia and the alliance. Reports suggest this new approach aims to ensure the continuity of defense production and expand strategic partnerships with Western Europe.
A shift in the nature of European support for Ukraine
Several reports from Reuters and Le Monde indicate that these steps reflect a clear shift in the nature of European support for Ukraine, from military supplies to the establishment of permanent production partnerships within the European Union. Analysts believe that this cooperation between Kyiv and Copenhagen strengthens Ukraine's independence in developing its defense capabilities and provides Europe with a practical model for long-term security industrial cooperation. European sources confirm that these projects will contribute to the formation of a European military-industrial base capable of supplying Ukraine with weapons in the long term, while simultaneously reducing the strain on European military stockpiles.
Warnings against interpreting the move as a provocation against Russia
Ukraine's plan to open a military office and weapons production facilities in Denmark has drawn reactions and warnings that Moscow could interpret the move as a direct provocation. Reuters reported that several European diplomats indicated that establishing Ukrainian defense manufacturing centers within NATO territory could be seen by Russia as crossing a red line, particularly given the ongoing war in eastern Ukraine. The newspaper quoted European sources as saying that participating governments, including Denmark and Germany, were careful to present the project as legitimate industrial cooperation, not an expansion of the Ukrainian military presence in NATO countries.
Copenhagen confirmed that the activities to take place in Denmark will not include any military operations or training, but will be limited to manufacturing and technological development. The Danish Minister of Defense explained that the agreement concerns the production of defense components and logistical equipment, and does not expand the scope of combat operations. He added that his country is coordinating all these steps with NATO and the European Union to ensure transparency and avoid any misunderstandings.
In contrast, Le Monde quoted security experts as saying that Moscow is closely monitoring these developments and may use them in its propaganda campaign to portray Europe as increasingly involved in the conflict. The report noted that Russia considers any Ukrainian defense activity outside its borders “part of direct Western support for the war against it.” However, officials in Kyiv stressed that the aim of these projects is to protect defense production from Russian attacks, not to provoke Moscow, emphasizing that Ukraine is “taking purely defensive steps to ensure its survival.”.
Business Insider added that this type of cooperation reflects a delicate balance between European support for Ukraine and the desire to avoid direct escalation with Russia. Its report explained that relocating production to NATO countries aims to protect Ukrainian factories from attacks, but simultaneously carries political risks if the Kremlin perceives it as a hostile act. Diplomatic sources in Copenhagen confirmed that Danish authorities have informed Moscow through unofficial channels that the project does not pose a direct threat and that Denmark will remain committed to its position within the alliance without violating existing international agreements.
