Zelenskyy blends humour and history in appeal to Denmark

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy used humour, historical references and a direct appeal to urge Danish lawmakers to keep supporting Ukraine, DR reported. A rhetoric professor described the speech as strong and moving.

Zelenskyy became the first foreign head of state to speak from the rostrum in the Danish Parliament chamber. Professor Lisa Villadsen of the University of Copenhagen said the speech was carefully tailored to its audience and made a strong case for why Denmark should continue backing Ukraine’s fight for freedom.

After thanking Denmark for its support since Russia’s invasion, Zelenskyy praised the country’s sense of community, using Danish words including “trust”, “community” and “social responsibility”. He also joked about US President Donald Trump’s interest in Greenland, saying Denmark and Ukraine might regret not sharing a border because Denmark has much better neighbours.

Villadsen said the remarks helped create a sense of connection between the two countries. In her view, Zelenskyy argued that Ukraine mattered to Denmark and that the countries were alike, making it more likely lawmakers would provide further support.

From humour to the seriousness of war

Zelenskyy moved from humour to historical references after attending a wreath-laying ceremony at Kastellet, a fortress, with the Danish prime minister, King Frederik and Crown Prince Christian. He thanked Denmark for its contribution and spoke about Ukrainians killed in the world wars.

He compared the current situation with the start of the First World War, referring to the armistice that took effect on November 11, 1918, at 11 a.m. He said events in the world today brought back the thoughts, feelings and fears of a time when Europe and the wider world were turned upside down.

Villadsen said the historical comparison drew the audience into Ukraine’s situation. She said it prompted listeners to consider how Russia had expected its war in Ukraine to end quickly, and how different the situation is now. The reference also underscored, she said, that war is destructive and can affect far more than a single battlefield.

Zelenskyy linked that point to modern forms of warfare, including drones and hybrid warfare that extends beyond Ukraine’s borders. His central argument, Villadsen said, was that Europe protects itself by helping Ukraine.

Rather than appealing for sympathy by describing the suffering of women and children or shortages of food and heating, Zelenskyy presented Ukraine as a useful partner for Europe because of its direct experience of war, Villadsen said.

At the end of his speech, Zelenskyy made a direct request for support for a new air defence system, called Freya, intended as an alternative to the US Patriot system.