On 23–24 May 2024, Ambassador Ole Egberg Mikkelsen, conducted a visit to Mykolaiv and Voznesensk to engage with local authorities, review development cooperation projects, and reaffirm Denmark’s support for Ukraine’s recovery and resilience.
Denmark maintains a special partnership with Mykolaiv and Mykolaiv region, grounded in shared values and a strong commitment to decentralisation, inclusive development, and democratic governance. The visit served to further deepen these ties and highlight concrete areas of cooperation.
In Voznesensk, the Ambassador met with the Mayor, Mr. Yevhen Velychko. The meeting included a presentation of two locally-driven initiatives: the planned construction of a community marketplace in Rakove village and the creation of a composting cluster. Both projects aim to strengthen economic self-reliance and promote environmental sustainability in the region.
The programme continued with a visit to the Municipal Enterprise “Centre of Community Development,” where the Ambassador toured vocational classrooms and workshops. He took the opportunity to engage directly with students and joined a hands-on demonstration at the sewing workshop—highlighting Denmark’s interest in supporting vocational education and youth empowerment.
The Ambassador also visited the Voznesensk pumping station “Matrosova”, where he was briefed on local infrastructure needs and the importance of maintaining water security under current conditions.
A central event of the visit was the opening of a newly installed freshwater purification system at the Voznesensk Special School—funded by Denmark in cooperation with Danish People’s Aid. The school currently serves 236 children, including children with disabilities, orphans, and those without parental care, from 22 communities across the region. It is recognised as a key centre for inclusive and special education in the area.
During the visit, students organised a heartfelt thank-you ceremony in the school yard, where Danish and Ukrainian flags were raised side by side. The Ambassador was joined by Head of the Regional Military Administration Vitalii Kim, Secretary General of Danish People’s Aid Mirka Moser, and the school director Natalia Horonjuk.
The Ambassador also acknowledged and encouraged continued cooperation under the Twinning Programme between Voznesensk and the Danish municipality of Ikast-Brande. The partnership includes educational exchanges between textile vocational institutions, technical advisory in wastewater management, and preparations for business cooperation between the two communities.
In Mykolaiv, the Ambassador visited the Mykolaiv Construction College, where Denmark-funded repairs are being carried out through the Danish Refugee Council (DRC). The works include the refurbishment of bomb shelters, contributing to the safe continuation of education.
The visit concluded with a series of institutional meetings, including a working breakfast with rectors from the State Agrarian University and the National University of Shipbuilding, focusing on potential academic collaboration and knowledge exchange. The Ambassador also visited a local plant operated in cooperation with the Danish company Per Aarsleff, and toured the State Emergency Service’s Center for Water Demining together with Head of the Regional Military Administration Vitaliy Kim. The ambassador, who is a keen sailor also visited the Sailing Club of Mykolaiv, which continues to operate and train young sailors despite the Russian aggression.
Denmark continues to stand with Ukraine through long-term support for decentralisation, inclusive education, sustainable infrastructure, and local capacity building—contributing to a resilient, democratic, and self-reliant Ukraine.
