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Ukraine receives first F-16 jets, officials say

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The first batch of much-anticipated F-16 jets has arrived in Ukraine, according to Lithuania’s foreign minister and a U.S. official on Wednesday. This delivery is expected to aid Ukraine in restoring its weakened air force. The F-16s, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, have long been sought by Ukraine due to their significant firepower and widespread availability. Equipped with a 20mm cannon, these fighter jets can carry a variety of bombs, rockets, and missiles. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis remarked on X (formerly Twitter) that “F-16s in Ukraine. Another impossible thing turned out to be totally possible.” A U.S. official, who wished to remain anonymous, confirmed that the delivery has been completed.

Denmark has pledged a total of 19 jets, while the Netherlands has committed to delivering 24 aircraft. Both nations have played a key role in forming an international coalition to supply Ukraine with F-16s. Norway has also announced it will donate six F-16 fighter jets. Ukrainian pilots and ground personnel have undergone training with the help of Western allies for several months.

As Ukraine has fought against Russia’s full-scale invasion that began in February 2022, it has relied on a limited fleet of Soviet-era aircraft. Ukrainian officials consider the addition of F-16s a crucial enhancement for their Air Force. However, analysts and officials indicate that while the F-16s will strengthen Ukraine’s capabilities, they are unlikely to be a decisive factor in the ongoing conflict.

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Attack on Danish PM not politically motivated, police say

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Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has reported feeling “shaken” but otherwise “fine” following an attack in Copenhagen’s old town. On Friday evening, a man approached her and struck her, causing minor whiplash. The 39-year-old Polish suspect, who was detained and charged with violence against a public official, has pleaded not guilty. Police, who suspect the man was under the influence of alcohol and drugs, do not believe the attack was politically motivated.

After the incident, Frederiksen was taken to a hospital for a check-up, and her Saturday schedule was canceled. She expressed gratitude for the support she received via an Instagram post, where she mentioned her need for rest and time with her family.

European leaders condemned the attack, with EU chief Charles Michel expressing outrage and French President Emmanuel Macron calling it “unacceptable.” The incident occurred just two days before the European elections, in which Denmark is participating.

Frederiksen, 46, is the leader of Denmark’s Social Democrats and became the country’s youngest prime minister in 2019.

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Danish PM suffered whiplash in street attack

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Denmark’s Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, was unexpectedly attacked while walking in Copenhagen’s city center, leaving her shocked and with minor whiplash. The assailant, swiftly apprehended, prompted concern over the motive behind the assault. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the incident, echoing sentiments against such violence in Europe. Witnesses described the assailant’s forceful push on Frederiksen, who managed to avoid falling completely but sought recovery at a nearby café.

The attack, occurring just before Denmark’s EU election, raises concerns over political safety. Frederiksen’s Social Democrats, though still leading in polls, have experienced declining support. Colleagues expressed solidarity and shock over the assault, while EU officials denounced it vehemently.

Frederiksen, at 46, became Denmark’s youngest prime minister in 2019, known internationally for her disagreement with former U.S. President Donald Trump over Greenland’s purchase suggestion. Additionally, her government’s mink culling during the Covid-19 pandemic drew criticism in 2022.

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Borsen fire: Denmark endures its own Notre Dame devastation

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The devastating fire at Copenhagen’s historic former stock exchange, Borsen, sparked immediate comparisons to the Notre-Dame cathedral fire in 2019. Brian Mikkelsen, head of the Danish Chamber of Commerce, pledged to rebuild the 400-year-old structure despite the significant damage. He, along with colleagues and emergency workers, bravely rescued centuries-old artworks from the flames, demonstrating remarkable teamwork and determination.

Danes mourned the loss of the iconic dragon spire, a beloved feature of Copenhagen’s skyline. Residents expressed deep sadness and shared memories of the historic building, emphasizing its significance to the city’s identity and culture. Copenhagen’s Mayor, Sophie Haestorp Andersen, echoed these sentiments, calling the fire a loss of the city’s soul and history.

Efforts to rebuild Borsen are underway, with plans to learn from the restoration of Notre-Dame. Danish officials intend to incorporate modern techniques, such as 3D modeling and AI, to recreate the building’s original materials. Despite the challenges ahead, there is widespread support for reconstruction, with donations pouring in from both public and private sectors.

The restoration process is expected to be extensive and costly, with estimates exceeding 1 billion kroner. However, the determination to restore Borsen to its former glory remains strong, fueled by the outpouring of support from the Danish community.

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Denmark to start conscripting women for military service

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Denmark has announced significant reforms to its military, including extending conscription to women for the first time and increasing the standard service duration. This decision is part of a plan to bolster its defense capabilities and align with NATO targets amid heightened tensions in Europe following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen emphasized that the aim of these reforms is not to seek conflict but to prevent it. The government intends to achieve gender equality in the armed forces, with Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen stressing that more inclusive conscription will address defense challenges and contribute to national mobilization.

Denmark will become the third European nation, after Norway and Sweden, to mandate women’s conscription starting from 2026, alongside extending service duration for both genders from four to 11 months. These changes aim to increase the number of individuals serving in the military annually from 4,700 to 5,000, with approximately 25% being women.

With a current armed forces strength of around 20,000 personnel, Denmark, with a population of nearly six million, plans to raise its military spending from 1.4% to 2% of GDP to meet NATO’s requirements. Lawmakers have taken measures such as abolishing a public holiday to redirect funds towards defense spending.

Denmark has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine, providing advanced weapons, financial aid, and training to Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets. Additionally, Finland and Sweden have recently joined NATO as the alliance strengthens its defenses in Europe amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

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King Frederik: Tens of thousands turn out for succession

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In a historic moment for Denmark, King Frederik X succeeded his mother as the nation’s monarch, drawing tens of thousands of people to Christiansborg Castle. Overwhelmed with emotion, King Frederik expressed his aspiration to be a unifying king for the future and praised his mother, who had voluntarily abdicated after an impressive 52-year reign, marking the first Danish monarch to do so in over 800 years. Despite the event being initially planned as low-key, the crowd celebrated as Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen officially proclaimed King Frederik on the balcony of the palace.

In his inaugural speech, King Frederik, now at the helm of Europe’s oldest monarchy at the age of 55, spoke of his lifelong commitment to becoming a unifying leader with pride and joy. The ceremony included a heartfelt moment as the new king wiped away tears, joined by his four children, including 18-year-old Crown Prince Christian, the newly designated heir. A kiss shared between King Frederik and his Australian-born Queen Consort Mary elicited cheers and whoops from the enthusiastic crowd.

As Queen Margarethe formally bid farewell to the throne after her unprecedented 52-year reign, thousands of people lined the streets to express their gratitude. The 83-year-old monarch had announced her decision to step down during a New Year’s Eve broadcast, citing reflection following back surgery in 2023. She will retain her title as Queen, while the King’s wife, Queen Consort Mary, maintains her own title. The British monarchs, King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla, sent their best wishes, acknowledging Queen Margarethe’s many years of dedicated service to Denmark.

Celebrations extended beyond Denmark, reaching Australia where King Frederik and Queen Consort Mary first met, with events in Sydney’s Slip Inn pub and across Queen Consort Mary’s home state of Tasmania. The global recognition reflected the significance of King Frederik’s ascension to the throne.

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Swedish snow chaos leaves 1,000 vehicles trapped on main E22 road

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Over 1,000 individuals who found themselves trapped in heavy snow for more than 24 hours on the main E22 road in southern Sweden have been successfully evacuated, as announced by Swedish authorities. The rescue operation involved a coordinated effort of snow ploughs and emergency teams working through the night to free people stranded in their vehicles.

The travel chaos unfolded against the backdrop of plummeting winter temperatures across the Nordic countries, affecting Sweden, Finland, and Norway. In Denmark, snowstorms led to drivers being stranded on a motorway near Aarhus since Wednesday. The severity of the weather was exemplified by the Kvikkjokk-Arrenjarka weather station in northern Sweden, which recorded its coldest night in 25 years with temperatures plummeting to -43.6°C.

The disruption on the main E22 began around 09:00 local time on Wednesday when heavy snow made the road impassable in both directions between Horby and Kristianstad. Hundreds of cars came to a standstill in snowdrifts, leading to what police spokesperson Evelina Olsson described as “total chaos.”

Rescue efforts persisted throughout the night, with the army mobilized to deliver food and water to those stranded. While all individuals traveling by car were successfully evacuated, by Thursday morning, only lorry drivers remained in their vehicles.

Conditions were gradually improving on Thursday morning, with many cars cleared from the road. However, authorities cautioned that the road would not be fully cleared until 08:00 on Friday at the earliest. Meanwhile, buses and trains were canceled in the Skane region, and authorities urged people to avoid non-essential travel during this period of severe winter weather.

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Queen Margrethe II: Danish monarch announces abdication live on TV

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Denmark’s Queen Margrethe II has surprised the nation by announcing her abdication in a New Year TV address after 52 years on the throne. The 83-year-old monarch, the world’s only reigning queen and Europe’s longest-serving current monarch, will formally step down on January 14, passing the throne to her son, Crown Prince Frederik.

Unlike the British royal tradition, there will be no formal crowning ceremony for Crown Prince Frederik, who is 55. Instead, his accession will be announced from Amalienborg Castle in Copenhagen on the day. He will become King of Denmark, head of state in the constitutional monarchy, and also assume these roles in Greenland and the Faroe Islands. His Australian-born wife, Princess Mary, will take on the title of Denmark’s Queen Consort.

Queen Margrethe revealed that her decision to abdicate came after a period of reflection following back surgery in early 2023. She expressed gratitude to the Danish public for their support over the years. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen also thanked the queen for her lifelong dedication and tireless efforts for the Kingdom.

Queen Margrethe, a popular figure in Denmark, was not expected to abdicate, and many Danes anticipated her remaining on the throne until her death. Affectionately known as Daisy, she attended the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, and both queens celebrated their respective jubilees in the same year.

Crown Prince Frederik, known for his environmental passion, is set to guide Denmark into the future. His wife, Princess Mary, an Australian lawyer, will become Denmark’s Queen Consort. The Danish royal family, facing challenges of modern society, has decided to streamline its members, resulting in a public rift last year when Prince Joachim’s children were stripped of their royal titles. The transition marks a moment of mixed celebration and sadness for Denmark as they bid farewell to Queen Margrethe and welcome the new era under Crown Prince Frederik’s reign.

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UAE extradites British trader Sanjay Shah to Denmark

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British trader Sanjay Shah has been extradited from the United Arab Emirates to Denmark to face tax fraud charges totaling £1.46 billion. The charges stem from alleged fraudulent share trading schemes conducted by Solo Capital, the hedge fund Shah founded. Despite living in Dubai, Shah denies any wrongdoing, asserting that the trades in question were legal. Denmark, heavily impacted by “cum-ex” schemes, alleges that Solo Capital engaged in fraudulent activities between 2012 and 2015. The Danish authorities are seeking to recover the substantial sum, which accounts for nearly 0.5% of the country’s GDP.

In the legal proceedings, Shah, who lost his job as a trader during the 2008 financial crisis, is considered the primary suspect. Prosecutors in Denmark are pushing for him to be held in custody until his trial, scheduled for January of next year. Since 2020, Danish authorities have aggressively pursued Shah, leading to the freezing of much of his fortune, including a £15 million central London property. Despite an extravagant lifestyle in Dubai, where he resided on the exclusive Palm Jumeirah island and hosted charity events with renowned musicians like Elton John and Drake, Shah has faced mounting legal challenges.

Sanjay Shah’s legal battles are part of a broader crackdown on “cum-ex” fraud in Denmark. In a separate case in November, Guenther Klar, a British national who worked for Solo Capital between 2010 and 2012, went on trial in Denmark—the country’s first court case over cum-ex fraud. Klar, extradited from Belgium, faces accusations of defrauding the government of £37 million. He maintains his innocence, marking another chapter in Denmark’s efforts to address financial misconduct within the realm of cum-ex schemes. Despite facing challenges in the UK Supreme Court, Shah’s extradition and the ongoing legal proceedings underscore Denmark’s commitment to pursuing those involved in financial fraud, irrespective of their location.

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Denmark intends to impose prison sentence for publicly incinerating the Quran

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In response to a series of Quran burnings that sparked outrage in Muslim countries, the Danish government has introduced a proposal to prohibit the public burning of religious texts, including the Quran. Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard emphasized that such acts not only harmed Denmark’s reputation but also posed a risk to its citizens’ safety. The new legislation aims to classify improper treatment of the Quran or Bible as a criminal offense, carrying penalties of fines and potential imprisonment for up to two years.

The Danish government, which holds a center-right stance, aims to convey a message to the international community through this move. Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen highlighted that recent weeks have witnessed around 170 demonstrations, some involving the burning of Quran copies near foreign embassies. Denmark’s intelligence agency, PET, has cautioned that these incidents have escalated the terrorist threat.

Denmark’s neighboring country, Sweden, has also experienced similar Quran burnings, leading to concerns about worsening security. However, both Denmark and Sweden had been cautious in their response due to their strong tradition of freedom of expression. Sweden abolished its blasphemy laws in the 1970s.

Denmark’s decision to address this issue gained momentum after further Quran burnings occurred in both countries in July. The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) urged its member nations to take appropriate action against countries where such desecration occurred.

The Danish justice minister clarified that the proposed change in the law wasn’t directed at verbal, written, or satirical expressions. Rather, the focus was on curbing actions that only fueled division and hatred. Deputy Prime Minister Jakob Ellemann-Jensen stressed the importance of responsible behavior even while exercising freedom of expression.

Denmark acknowledged that it couldn’t ignore the negative implications of these actions on its security. Meanwhile, Sweden’s Prime Minister, Ulf Kristersson, noted that his country wouldn’t follow Denmark’s approach, citing the need for potential constitutional amendments.

The Danish government plans to present the proposed legal changes on September 1st, with the aim of passing them in parliament by year-end. The prohibition is expected to be included within a section of the criminal code that addresses public insults toward foreign states, flags, or symbols.

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