Danish People’s Party leader Morten Messerschmidt wants to end direct donations to Ukraine and replace them with loans, arguing that the funds should instead help reduce food taxes. His proposal, however, faces strong rejection from both government and opposition parties.
Messerschmidt’s Push for Change in Danish Support
Danish People’s Party (DF) leader Morten Messerschmidt has renewed his call for a change in Denmark’s approach to Ukraine funding. He believes Danish taxpayers have been generous enough, contributing more than 70 billion kroner in aid since 2022. Now, as the current Ukraine Fund nears depletion, he suggests that future assistance should take the form of loans instead of outright donations. According to him, this shift would keep capital within Denmark and allow room for a reduction in the food VAT.
His argument stems from a desire to prioritize domestic needs while still supporting Ukraine. Messerschmidt insists that loans are a common international tool that could help maintain support without depleting Danish resources. However, critics see the move as a retreat from solidarity with Ukraine in its war against Russia.
The Ukraine Fund and Its Financial Limits
The Ukraine Fund was created in 2023 through a broad political agreement involving nearly all Danish parliamentary parties, including DF. The fund initially contained about seven billion kroner and has since been increased several times. It finances military, civil, and business-related support for Ukraine. By late 2023, Denmark had sent more than 70 billion kroner in military aid stretching through 2028, leaving 1.9 billion kroner allocated for the years 2026 to 2028.
Messerschmidt argues that converting donations into loans could free up funds for other priorities, such as lowering the food VAT. He frames it as a matter of fairness to Danish households that have faced high living costs. Still, he acknowledges that his party has not yet decided whether this would mean reducing the overall level of support to Ukraine.
A Political Rift Among the Right-Wing Bloc
Among Denmark’s center-right parties, DF’s suggestion has caused friction. Messerschmidt’s move has not gained traction with his allies in the Conservative Party or the Liberal Alliance. Conservative defense spokesperson Rasmus Jarlov argues that Ukraine lacks the means to repay loans and that direct financial support remains essential. He stresses that backing Ukraine is tied to Denmark’s own security, since a Russian victory could increase defense expenses across Europe.
The Liberal Alliance shares this stance, with its representatives saying Denmark should maintain aid at current levels. Both parties view Ukraine’s defense as directly connected to Europe’s stability and Denmark’s own safety. Within DF, however, the proposal continues to serve as a symbol of prioritizing national welfare and limiting Denmark’s role as a leading donor among European countries.
Reaction from Government and Other Parties
The ruling Social Democrats have firmly dismissed the DF initiative. Their defense spokesperson Simon Kollerup has labeled the idea misleading. According to him, loans would not suddenly release funds for lowering food VAT. He insists that Denmark can afford to assist Ukraine while also addressing domestic economic issues. The government sees continued support as both a moral duty and a security necessity.
Kollerup also warns that weakening support for Ukraine would compromise Denmark’s own safety. From his view, if Russia wins the war, Danish and European security would face far greater risks. For the government, unconditional support remains vital to European stability.
What Comes Next for Ukraine Policy
For now, DF stands isolated with its call for restructured support. While Messerschmidt hopes that future negotiations after the next parliamentary elections might make other right-wing parties more receptive, few seem willing to deviate from the current broad consensus. His proposal may nonetheless influence debate about how much Denmark should continue to spend abroad versus at home.
In practice, the Ukraine Fund’s remaining resources will soon be exhausted, forcing Parliament to revisit the issue. Whether loans become part of the new model remains uncertain, but the discussion highlights a growing tension between solidarity abroad and financial priorities at home.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: Denmark backs a Ukraine EU membership despite Hungary
DR: DF vil ikke donere flere penge til Ukraine – fremover må vi give dem lån
