Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has pledged her full support for Ukraine’s bid to join the European Union, as Denmark commences its six-month term as president of the EU.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy joined Ms. Frederiksen and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Aarhus, a city in western Denmark. The event marked the official beginning of Denmark’s eighth EU presidency since it joined the bloc in 1973.
This commitment comes in the wake of the U.S. administration, under President Donald Trump, halting some promised arms shipments to aid Ukraine in its fight against the Russian invasion.
Russia’s intensified efforts to seize more Ukrainian territory have placed significant pressure on Ukraine’s defenses. The war has now entered its fourth year.
Russian missiles and drones continue to strike Ukrainian cities, while U.S.-led peace settlement initiatives have stalled.
“Ukraine belongs in the EU. It is in the interest of both Denmark and Europe. Therefore, the Danish presidency will do everything we can to help Ukraine on its path towards EU membership,” Ms. Frederiksen stated.
Hungary, under Prime Minister Viktor Orban, is currently blocking Ukraine’s path to EU membership. Orban maintains that Ukraine should remain a buffer zone between Russia and NATO countries.
Discussions between EU officials and Mr. Zelenskyy also included the increase of military support, cooperation with the Ukrainian defense industry, and the imposition of new sanctions against Russia.
“We must partly strengthen Ukraine, partly weaken Russia. The first thing we do is increase military support. Ukraine is crucial for Europe’s security,” Ms. Frederiksen said. “The second thing we do is sanctions. We must increase the pressure on Russia.”
The Danish government has already invested in Ukraine’s defense industry, noting its capacity to produce arms and ammunition more quickly and at a lower cost compared to other European nations. They have also invited Ukrainian companies to establish operations in Denmark, where they can operate more safely.
Mr. Zelenskyy is also scheduled to meet with King Frederik X of Denmark.
