Iceland Contributes €2 Million to Fund Ukraine’s Arms Production
The government of Iceland has recently allocated over €2 million to support the production of Ukrainian weaponry, following in the footsteps of Denmark’s innovative funding model for Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
Iceland’s Support for Ukraine
The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced Iceland’s contribution to the production of Ukrainian arms, aligning with the “Danish model” established by Denmark. This mechanism involves financing Ukraine’s arms production to enhance its defense capabilities. Denmark, having depleted its military aid reserves for Ukraine, allocated $680 million from frozen Russian assets for this purpose. The funds are expected to be transferred by the year-end, with a target of at least $1.4 billion in 2025 for further support. Iceland’s €2 million contribution signifies its active involvement in this strategic approach to bolstering Ukraine’s defense.
Meeting Between Foreign Ministers
On 7 January, Iceland’s Foreign Minister, Þórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörð Gylfadóttir, visited Kyiv and met with her Ukrainian counterpart, Andrii Sybiha. During their meeting, Sybiha expressed gratitude for Iceland’s financial support towards Ukrainian arms production under the Danish model. He emphasized Iceland’s valuable contributions in various areas such as demining, logistical aid, soldier training, and expediting arms procurement for Ukraine’s Defense Forces.
Humanizing Touch
Beyond financial contributions, Iceland has played a crucial role in providing prosthetics for wounded Ukrainian soldiers, demonstrating a commitment to supporting their recovery. Sybiha acknowledged these efforts and highlighted plans to expand relevant projects in the coming year to assist more defenders. This humanizing touch showcases the tangible impact of international support on the lives of those directly affected by conflicts.
Prior Contributions and Ongoing Support
Previously, Reykjavík contributed $725,000 to the Energy Support Fund for Ukraine amidst Russian aerial assaults on the country’s energy system. This latest allocation further solidifies Iceland’s commitment to standing with Ukraine in times of need.
This collaborative effort between Iceland and Ukraine under the Danish model underscores the importance of international partnerships in strengthening global security and stability. As tensions persist in the region, the support from countries like Iceland plays a vital role in ensuring Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against external threats.
