Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga received Ole Egberg Mikkelsen, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Denmark to Ukraine, who is ending his diplomatic mission in Ukraine after five years of service.
According to the press service of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, Sibiga expressed his gratitude to Ole Egberg Mikkelsen for his personal commitment to the Ukrainian-Danish partnership and noted that the ties between Ukraine and Denmark established during his tenure go far beyond official relations.
“Denmark has become a world leader in terms of aid to Ukraine as a percentage of GDP (2.89%) and has provided our country with more than €9.9 billion in support. In addition, Denmark’s unique partnership with Mykolaiv and the Mykolaiv region has become a model of regional cooperation for other international partners. We greatly appreciate this,” Sibiga said.
The minister also noted the recent launch of the long-term humanitarian support program Ukraine Transition Programme and unprecedented military assistance, namely Denmark’s transfer of its entire artillery arsenal, the provision of F-16 fighter jets, and the launch of the Danish model of direct investment in the Ukrainian defense-industrial complex.
The interlocutors discussed the further development of relations between Ukraine and Denmark on the path to a just peace and the restoration of security in Europe.
The Foreign Minister wished Ole Egberg Mikkelsen success in his new endeavors.
The Cypriot ambassador to Ukraine, Michalis Firillas, said that after February 24, 2022, the structure of tourism in Cyprus underwent significant changes, and many traditional sources of tourists weakened. However, the total number of tourists is growing: according to statistics, Cyprus welcomed more than 4.04 million visitors in 2024, which is 5.1% more than in 2023.
“Although the war has made some adjustments, Cyprus remains popular among Ukrainians. Tourism from Ukraine exists, and I predict that it will soon return to pre-war levels,” said Michalis Firillas, Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to Ukraine, during a meeting with a representative of Interfax-Ukraine.
According to the ambassador, at least 25,000 Ukrainian citizens visited Cyprus in 2024. The main convenient routes for Ukrainians are currently flights from neighboring countries, primarily Romania. “Cyprus is promoting the development of air links for Ukrainians, and in December, Wizz Air will launch a new flight from Suceava (Romania) to Larnaca (Cyprus),” he added.
Firilas expressed confidence that after the end of the war, the volume of Ukrainian tourism to Cyprus will return to pre-war levels.
Most tourists to Cyprus currently come from the UK, followed by Israel, Poland, and Germany. These countries form the core of the island’s visitor market.
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, accepted credentials from the newly appointed ambassadors of Cyprus, Michalis Firillas, Latvia, Andrejs Pildegovičs, and Pakistan, Kanwar Adnan Ahmed Khan, according to the press service.
“Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Michalis Firillas discussed increasing sanctions pressure on Russia, food security, joint projects within the European Union, the security situation in the region, and cooperation with partners, particularly in multilateral formats,” the statement said.
In addition, Zelensky and the Cypriot ambassador discussed Ukraine’s future membership in the European Union and priorities during Cyprus’ presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2026.
The president also discussed with Pildegovičs the development of the PURL initiative, increasing pressure on Russia, and humanitarian aid. The ambassador assured that Latvia would actively promote Ukraine’s interests at the UN next year when the country becomes a non-permanent member of the organization.
Zelensky discussed with the Pakistani ambassador the development of bilateral cooperation, particularly in the defense and military-technical spheres, as well as partnership in trade and food.
There are currently around 28,000 Ukrainian refugees in Cyprus, which is one of the highest figures in the world in relation to the island’s population. This was stated by the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Cyprus to Ukraine, Michalis Firillas, during a meeting with a representative of Interfax-Ukraine.
“We understand that the war has forced many Ukrainians to leave their homes. Cyprus has become a safe haven for them, and we are proud to be able to provide them with support,” the diplomat said.
According to him, Ukrainian refugees in Cyprus have access to free medical care, can use the state education system, and also receive support in employment and social benefits. “Our government is doing everything possible to ensure that Ukrainians integrate into Cypriot life as quickly and comfortably as possible,” Firillas emphasized.
He stressed that Cyprus will continue to support Ukraine and the Ukrainian people by providing both humanitarian aid and political support on the international stage.
On September 3, during his visit to Uman, Michael Brodsky, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Israel to Ukraine, visited the Central City Hospital, met with the director of the facility, Ivan Khoptyan, and donated a water purification system for the hospital’s needs.
The ceremony was attended by the mayor of Uman, Iryna Pletnyova.
“Israel continues to provide assistance to Ukraine. Following a decision by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, several water purification systems will be delivered to Ukraine in the near future. Today, such a system began operating in Uman. Thanks to this, patients at the local hospital and residents of nearby homes will be able to receive high-quality drinking water without interruption,” said Michael Brodsky.
Diplomatic relations between Ukraine and Israel were established on December 26, 1991. The Ukrainian Embassy in Tel Aviv was opened in April 1992. The Israeli Embassy in Kyiv began operating in September 1992.
AMBASSADOR, HOSPITAL, ISRAEL, UMAN, water purification system
During a reception in Kyiv to mark the 80th anniversary of Vietnam National Day, Pham Hai, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to Ukraine, emphasized that cooperation with Ukraine has significant potential in the areas of economy, technology, and culture.
“Over the past decades, Vietnam has achieved significant success in political, economic, and social development. In 2025, our GDP is projected to reach approximately $510 billion, and foreign trade turnover in 2024 exceeded $800 billion. Vietnam is among the 35 largest economies in the world and among the top 20 leading exporters,” the diplomat noted.
The ambassador said that despite difficult conditions, bilateral trade between Vietnam and Ukraine is showing positive dynamics: in the first half of 2025, its volume increased by 30% to $560 million.
He separately emphasized the role of the Vietnamese community in Ukraine, which numbers more than 800 people and acts as an “important bridge of friendship between the peoples.”
“We highly appreciate the contribution of Ukrainian specialists to the development of Vietnam after the war, as well as the support of our diaspora in Ukraine, which is actively integrated into local society while preserving its cultural identity,” the ambassador said.
Diplomatic relations between Ukraine and Vietnam were established on January 23, 1992. The Vietnamese Embassy in Kyiv opened in 1993, and the Ukrainian Embassy in Hanoi opened in 1997.
Vietnam’s economy (as of 2025)
