Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held security talks with Nordic leaders in Copenhagen on Tuesday, as Denmark unveiled a new military aid package for Ukraine worth 4.8 billion kroner, about €643 million.

The visit came as direct talks between Russia and Ukraine, mediated by the United States, began in Abu Dhabi — the first such meeting in nine months.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen told reporters that Denmark would donate the military equipment and a further 150 million kroner, about €20 million, to support Ukraine’s energy sector.

Air defence at the top of the agenda

The talks focused on military support, air defence and protecting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, Danish authorities said. Zelenskyy has urged partners to speed up deliveries of Patriot interceptor missiles to protect critical infrastructure from Russian strikes.

“I am proud to welcome President Zelenskyy and the Nordic leaders to Denmark. The Ukrainians’ fight for a free Ukraine and a free Europe continues,” Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said in a statement.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and his Norwegian and Finnish counterparts, Jonas Gahr Støre and Petteri Orpo, also travelled to Copenhagen for the meeting. Zelenskyy’s schedule included meetings with Danish MPs and leading defence companies, as well as an audience with King Frederik X.

Denmark’s 32nd aid package

The new package is Denmark’s 32nd military aid package for Ukraine. According to Danish broadcaster DR, it includes attack drones, interceptor drones, ammunition for F-16 fighter jets and support for the PURL initiative, through which allies jointly buy US weapons for Ukraine.

Zelenskyy said in a Telegram post that the visit would bring a “strong defence package from Denmark” and further steps to strengthen Ukraine’s defence capabilities. He has described Denmark as one of Ukraine’s most reliable partners since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion.

On Monday, Zelenskyy said the EU would use an emergency assistance mechanism to speed support for Ukraine after discussions with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Security stepped up in Copenhagen

A large police presence was visible outside the Danish prime minister’s office during the visit. Copenhagen police said security would be tightened in the capital over the coming days and banned drone flights over the city until 12 November.

The Copenhagen talks coincided with the start of the US-mediated negotiations in Abu Dhabi, where Russian and Ukrainian officials are meeting to discuss the terms of a possible settlement and a new European security framework.