Ben Hamilton
March 10th, 2022

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Ukraine can depend on its president Volodymyr Zelensky to continue the fight (photo: The Presidential Administration of Ukraine)

On Sunday, the Ukrainian foreign minister, Dmytro Kuleba, confirmed that more than 20,000 overseas people from 52 countries have volunteered to fight for Ukraine in a fast forming international unit. 

Most have already have made the journey there, including more than 100 from Denmark, as well as 100-150 from Norway. 

Ukraine is accepting the help of nationals from all countries … except Russia.

Ambassador: Interest continually growing
And yesterday Mykhailo Vydoinik, the Ukrainian ambassador to Denmark, confirmed that interest in Denmark is growing.

“Every day we get more and more calls from Danes who want to become part of the Ukrainian Army and who want to protect my country. I am impressed by how many because you are a relatively small country,” he told DR.

“They also want to protect their own country. They say the Ukrainians are not only fighting for their own country but also for freedom. They say they will support us, because if Putin wins, he will not stop in Ukraine – he will continue to attack the civilized world.”

PM: Danes are free to go
Vydoinik confirmed that more than 100 are already on Ukrainian soil.

Many have consulted a website especially set up by the Ukrainian authorities, fightforua.org, which describes in detail how they can enlist: first by applying to the embassy, and then eventually by signing a contract once they arrive on Ukrainian soil.

PM Mette Frederiksen has already condoned the enlistment of Danes.

Veterans chair: Don’t go unless you’re willing to die or be maimed
Vydoinik claims many have a military background: “They’re professionals. They know where they’re going – it’s war. We all know there is a risk of losing your life. We also get inquiries from people who do not have that experience. Then we suggest that it is better they help with other things like humanitarian aid.”

However, Danmarks Veteraner chair Niels Hartvig Andersen reckons only 10-15 of the new soldiers have previously completed their Danish military service. He also contends that Vydoinik is also counting Danish-based Ukrainians who have a Danish passport.

Andersen strongly advises against going to Ukraine: “I can well understand that many think this is a noble thing, but you have to think really hard: Are you willing to kill? Are you willing to be killed yourself or end up disabled?”