21-year-old Chap has left Denmark and voluntarily gone to war in Ukraine. Without insurance or safety net. Now he functions as a sniper together with his Norwegian buddy. In Denmark a volunteer underground network of veterans support the other Danish soldiers. At home with Chap's mother lies a farewell letter from her son - ready to be opened, if the worst thing happens.
* This documentary does not show any combat footage or action. It is only interviews and how the Danish support network functions *
On 27th February 2022, 3 days into the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated, "As we see it, there is no legal hindrance for someone to travel to Ukraine and, of course on the Ukranian side, be part of the conflict. This applies both to Ukrainians living here, and others who believe they can contribute with something directly in the conflict."
However, many military experts and veterans heavily suggested against doing it, since there would be no support from the Danish state, and the conditions would be very different from how regular deployments by the Danish Defence have been.
According to the Ukrainian ambassador to Denmark, Mykhailo Vydoinyk, at least 100 Danes have volunteered.
A couple have appeared in the media, and one fatal casualty has been confirmed.
The Danish authorities have generally been very secretive about aid to Ukraine, even denying to confirm specific donations when Ukraine has publically thanked Denmark for them.
Danish donations to Ukraine include LAW anti-tank rockets, Stinger anti-air missiles, Harpoon anti-ship missiles, M113 APCs, CAESAR self-propelled howitzer. A Danish-Dutch-German donation of about 100 refurbished Leopard 1A5 tanks is also planned. Besides military aid, Denmark has pledged to help rebuild Mykolaiv.
Published by DR in 2023
8 сен 2024