Ukrainian frontline medics in Denmark

Participants take part in psychological and physical activities, professional exchanges, and community-building experiences. Visits to hospitals and meetings with healthcare specialists, military personnel, researchers, and local communities foster valuable knowledge sharing between Ukraine and Denmark.

Each project strengthens resilience, builds international solidarity, and reminds our medics that they are not alone in their mission. At the same time, the camps help Danish stakeholders gain a deeper understanding of the realities faced by frontline medical personnel in Ukraine, creating lasting relationships and mutual understanding.

Denmark is consistently ranked among the countries with the highest quality of life in the world. It is known for its strong democracy, high level of trust in public institutions, social security, and a culture built on equality, community, and responsibility.
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Denmark is also recognized for its leadership in green energy, innovation, and sustainable development, with wind power providing a significant share of the country's electricity. It is the home of LEGO and the concept of hygge – a way of life centered around well-being, simplicity, and human connection.

These values, combined with Denmark’s strong support for Ukraine, made it a natural place for Repower to expand its recovery projects for active frontline medics from Ukraine.

Our participants come from many different backgrounds, experiences, and stages of life. Therefore, no single activity can meet the needs of everyone. Repower offers a wide range of therapeutic and restorative activities, including art workshops, hippotherapy, water-based activities, wood carving, singing practices, concerts, and much more - allowing each participant to find their own path toward recovery.

Many of our activities are inspired by the Scandinavian tradition of combining nature, community, and body-based approaches to well-being. Denmark has a strong culture of rehabilitation, physiotherapy, outdoor activities, and an understanding of the connection between physical and mental health. Together, these experiences help participants reconnect with themselves, rediscover joy, and take important steps back toward a more colorful life.

One of the unique aspects of the Danish camps is the close cooperation with the Danish Armed Forces Medical Command. Together, we create opportunities for knowledge exchange that benefit both Ukrainian and Danish military medical personnel.

Since the first Danish project in July 2024, Ukrainian combat medics and Danish colleagues have shared experiences and lessons learned on topics including:
- Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) and medic training
- Blood transfusions and prolonged casualty evacuation
- Medical operations in drone-dominated environments
- Chemical threats and military-civilian cooperation
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Visiting hospitals are of great value to both sites. In August 2026 we had a successful knowledge exchange at Skejby hospital in collaboration with Matthias Zaccarin, MD
Emergency Department, Aarhus University Hospital

By discussing real-life cases around trauma and how to handle these kinds of situations it strengthens our participants in feeling understood and acknowledged. The Danes get input on how an attack situation in Denmark could look like with all the new warfare technology involved.

As health professionals we must always be prepared to treat the next patient, even in a resource limited setting. Having participated in several Repower events, I have been partaking in highly valuable knowledge exchange with Ukrainian colleagues helping improve the Danish training and mindset. My only hope is that the heroes of Ukraine also have gained something new from their stay in Denmark.

‍Matthias Zaccarin, MD
Emergency Department, Aarhus University Hospital
Medical Reserve Officer, Danish Armed Forces

Following five successful Repower camps in Denmark, it was decided to establish Repower Denmark, with Kristine Marie Foss appointed as Head of Repower Denmark. A key part of Repower’s vision is to engage the international community in supporting Ukraine. To ensure the long-term sustainability of our work, we are moving towards securing the majority of our funding from international sources.

Denmark has already demonstrated a remarkable commitment to Ukraine and to the Repower mission. Camps in Denmark have been supported by organizations such as the Jyske Bank  Foundation, the Novo Nordisk Foundation, the Rambøll Foundation, the Poul Due Jensen Foundation, as well as a growing number of companies and private donors. Their support has enabled us to cover accommodation, meals, activities, and knowledge-sharing programs for Ukrainian combat medics participating in our camps.

Our ambition is to organize 4–6 camps annually while strengthening the relationship between Denmark and Ukraine through meaningful knowledge exchange, professional collaboration, and personal connections. The camps are about far more than financial support. They create opportunities for Danish healthcare professionals, military personnel, businesses, and local communities to learn directly from Ukrainian combat medics who work under some of the most demanding conditions in the world.

At the same time, they provide Ukrainian participants with recovery, recognition, and a reminder that they are not standing alone. Repower Denmark represents not only a commitment of resources, but also a commitment of solidarity. It reflects the willingness of our Danish partners and friends to stand with Ukraine for as long as needed.