石井辰彦　Tatsuhiko Ishii

We keep hearing again that Russia supposedly needs security guarantees. Even though no one has attacked Russia for many decades. Since the Second World War, Moscow has not gone through even one decade without starting a war or using military force against another country. So when the Russians now talk about a security architecture for themselves, or about security guarantees for Russia – they are hardly talking about real security. And peace. What they really want – is to freely interfere in the affairs of other countries, and to use force whenever they want, and to make sure that no one can support liberty inside Russia because Putin wants to keep his personal power forever and pass on his imperialist and, in many ways, simply fascist views to the next generations. From a speech at the Danish Folketing. (3/3)

Now, as we keep worrying about whether the United States will bomb Iran again – and how many countries and how many people could suffer because of it – we are not just waiting to see what happens next in that region. We are actually waiting to see what happens to our own societies – because of price spikes, because of shortages of weapons we need for our defense. We can already feel these shortages. When we look for Patriot missiles to protect our cities and communities from Russian ballistic attacks, we face the same problem again and again – the missiles are going to the Middle East. And what do we have? Empty Patriot systems and Russian ballistic missiles that, in most cases, we have nothing to shoot down with. In our world, nothing stays local – especially wars and injustice. From a speech at the Danish Folketing. (2/3)

Thank you for giving us the confidence that, at any moment, Denmark stands with us – and that Denmark truly wants the best for Ukraine. There is something really special about this feeling knowing that someone truly wishes you well. I feel this every time I speak with Mette. And every time I speak with people from Denmark. Every time, I feel the same thing – your intentions are truly good. I think it’s because this is simply who you are. And because you understand something very simple, but very wise – treat others the way you would want to be treated. This is part of your Danish spirit – what you call “samfundssind” – the belief that we are responsible not only for ourselves, but for others too. In today’s world, treating others this way is truly priceless. Thank you for that – thank you for being Denmark – a country that acts with heart, and confidence, a country that we in Ukraine – and everyone in Europe – can always count on. From a speech at the Danish Folketing. (1/3)

Our team reported on the results of the meetings in Abu Dhabi with the American and Russian sides, as well as the coordination with European partners present in the Emirates. First, there is an important humanitarian arrangement regarding preparations for a new exchange. Second, the parties discussed their views on guaranteeing security, and it is necessary that the first step be ending this war and providing security guarantees for Ukraine. Third, broader formats for further work involving the Europeans were discussed. Next, the American representatives are heading to Russia, and after those talks, we will coordinate our positions once again and determine what next steps are possible. We are meeting with them tomorrow in Dublin. Ukraine’s priority is to end the war as soon as possible with a dignified peace. We believe that Europe must be represented at every stage of real diplomacy. It is essential that the United States have a strong position and exert influence on the source of this war – that is Russia – so that Russia ends the war of its own making. Thank you to everyone who is helping! I thank the American side for organizing the meetings and for its mediation. I thank the Emirates for providing a venue for the talks. And I thank Mette and all our European friends for their principled and strong position in pursuit of peace. Glory to Ukraine!

Today, together with the King, the Crown Prince, and the Prime Minister of Denmark @Statsmin, we met with Danish business representatives. There were about 70 representatives of companies with extensive manufacturing capabilities that produce defense and civilian products. Their areas of work are very diverse – from logistics and green energy to naval drones, radars, and components for our future FREYJA system. We have been cooperating with many of them for a long time. There are factories that have been operating in Ukraine for decades and continue to do so even now, during this war. We are very grateful that, despite all the challenges, Danish businesses remain present in Ukraine. We are also opening new production facilities and developing new areas of partnership. It was important to hear that Danish businesses are ready to increase their investments in Ukraine and value the experience we share. Denmark is one of our most reliable partners. We greatly value this strong cooperation and our friendship. Thank you for this meeting.

An important meeting with Speaker of the Danish Folketing Henrik Frandsen and the leaders of all 12 political parties. Yesterday, Denmark allocated its 32nd defense assistance package for Ukraine, worth €645 million. Parliament voted unanimously in favor of the decision – an example of just how strong the unity around Ukraine is within Denmark. I thanked them for all the support and every decision that makes us stronger and brings peace closer. Today, I also addressed Danish parliamentarians and thanked each and every one of them personally. It is a great honor for me to be the first foreign leader to have this opportunity – to speak from the rostrum of the Folketing. This is recognition of the courage of the entire Ukrainian people and, above all, our warriors who defend their home and all of Europe. Thank you, Denmark!