Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is meeting around 50 European leaders in Copenhagen, Denmark, to rally more support for Ukraine’s war effort as U.S. financial aid declines. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated that Europe is currently engaged in a hybrid war initiated by Russia, with Ukraine serving as the continent’s frontline defense.
Zelenskyy will appeal to the European Political Community for increased assistance, following EU leaders’ discussions on using frozen Russian assets to finance a new €140 billion ($164 billion) loan to Kyiv. Belgium’s Prime Minister Bart De Wever sought legal assurances from EU members regarding shared risks if these frozen assets are used to back loans to Ukraine, highlighting concerns over potential legal complications.
This renewed call for support arrives amid heightened European alertness due to recent provocative incursions by Russia, occurring as the U.S. shifts its strategic focus toward security matters in Asia and beyond. The summit takes place days after drone incidents at Danish airports and military bases, incidents not yet attributed to specific actors but viewed within the context of ongoing Russian hybrid warfare. Frederiksen emphasized Europe’s goal of full self-defense capability against such threats by 2030.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
EU leaders are also preparing for the possibility of escalated Russian aggression within Europe in the next three to five years, with intelligence suggesting President Vladimir Putin intends to challenge NATO. Summit security is heightened, including a special radar system at Copenhagen airport to monitor potential threats.
Zelenskyy urged the EU to fulfill its commitments regarding Ukraine’s aspiration to join the bloc, addressing about 50 heads of state and government gathered in Copenhagen for this critical summit.Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is meeting about 50 European leaders in Copenhagen to secure more support as U.S. financial aid declines. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen described Europe as engaged in a hybrid war with Russia, with Ukraine as the front line.
Zelenskyy will appeal to the European Political Community following EU talks on using frozen Russian assets to fund a €140 billion ($164 billion) loan to Ukraine. Belgium’s Prime Minister Bart De Wever urged guarantees from EU members to share risks linked to frozen assets financing, citing legal concerns.
The meeting occurs amid increased European alertness after recent Russian provocations, including drone incidents in Denmark, which remain unclaimed. Frederiksen stressed Europe’s aim to fully defend itself by 2030 against such hybrid threats.
EU leaders are preparing for potential Russian aggression in Europe within three to five years, with intelligence warning that President Vladimir Putin intends to test NATO. Security at the summit is tight, with special radar at Copenhagen airport.
Zelenskyy called on the EU to honor its promises regarding Ukraine’s EU membership bid during his address to the assembled heads of state and government in Denmark.
