Sun Sep 15 12:29:26 UTC 2024: ## Denmark Funds Ukraine’s New Self-Propelled Howitzer, Boosting NATO-Aligned Defense
**KYIV, Ukraine** – Ukraine’s armed forces have received 18 domestically produced Bohdana self-propelled howitzer units, funded by Denmark, marking a significant step in NATO-aligned defense cooperation amidst the ongoing war with Russia.
The delivery was announced by Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen at the 20th Yalta European Strategy meeting in Kyiv on September 14th. This marks the first time a European nation has directly financed the purchase of Ukrainian-made military equipment for Kyiv’s defense forces.
The Bohdana, a 155 mm NATO-standard artillery piece, was produced swiftly with the order placed in July and delivery completed just two months later. According to RBC Ukraine, Poulsen emphasized the cost-effectiveness of manufacturing weapons in Ukraine compared to sourcing them from Western countries.
The Bohdana, boasting a range of 35 miles and a crew of five, can rapidly fire multiple rounds and relocate before enemy retaliation, offering a significant advantage over towed artillery units. The howitzer was first deployed in combat during the summer of 2022, notably during the liberation of Snake Island.
This development comes on the heels of a broader commitment to Kyiv’s defense by Denmark. In June, the two nations signed a memorandum of understanding for the purchase of weapons from Ukrainian manufacturers, with Denmark committing $115 million to this effort.
Meanwhile, Ukraine continues its advance into Russia’s Kursk region. President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on Friday that the operation, launched on August 6th, has prevented Russia from establishing buffer zones along the border and slowed their offensive in the Donetsk Oblast.
Amidst these developments, Ukraine is seeking permission from the U.S. and the U.K. to strike Russian targets with long-range weaponry, including ATACMS ballistic missiles. Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a warning, viewing such a move as direct NATO participation in the war.
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