Zelensky to Join european Leaders in Copenhagen Amid Heightened Security Concerns
COPENHAGEN – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected in Copenhagen today to participate in a summit of the European Political Community (EPC), joining twenty other European leaders already gathered for an informal EU meeting. The EPC, an initiative launched by French President Emmanuel Macron in 2022, brings together leaders from nearly all european nations – excluding Russia and Belarus – for bi-annual discussions.
This seventh EPC summit is unfolding under a cloud of heightened security following recent Russian airspace violations across Europe and reported drone activity over Copenhagen. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned on Wednesday evening,”They threaten us,they put us to the test,and they will not stop,” referencing Russia and the incursions into European airspace.
European nations are actively working to implement an “anti-drone wall” and are seeking expertise from Ukraine in this effort.zelensky,meanwhile,is pressing for continued european support and the fulfillment of promises regarding Ukraine’s eventual EU membership.
“Europe must keep its promises – just as the candidate countries make their part. Thank you,and we are counting on results,” Zelensky stated on X,reiterating remarks made Wednesday via video conference to EU leaders.
The path to fulfilling those promises is proving challenging, requiring unanimous agreement from all 27 EU member states – a process currently stalled by a Hungarian veto.
Financial support for Ukraine is also a key focus of the summit. “It is crucial to ‘Give visibility to Ukraine in terms of funding,'” acknowledged French President Emmanuel Macron in Copenhagen. The European Commission has proposed utilizing frozen Russian assets held in Europe to finance a €140 billion loan to Ukraine, to be repaid only if Russia ultimately contributes to war reparations.While most EU countries support the proposal, Belgium, which holds the majority of these frozen assets, has expressed reluctance.
