Denmark Pledges Support for Ukraine’s EU Membership Bid/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Denmark launched its EU presidency by backing Ukraine’s bid for EU membership, as Prime Minister Frederiksen hosted President Zelenskyy in Aarhus. Discussions focused on increased military support, new sanctions against Russia, and cooperation with Ukraine’s defense industry. Hungary continues to block Ukraine’s EU path, citing security concerns.
Quick Look
- Denmark starts its six-month EU presidency.
- PM Frederiksen pledges support for Ukraine’s EU bid.
- Zelenskyy joins EU leaders in Aarhus, Denmark.
- Hungary remains obstacle to Ukraine’s EU accession.
- Talks include military support and new sanctions on Russia.
- Denmark invests in Ukraine’s defense industry.
- Trump administration halts some US arms shipments to Kyiv.
- Zelenskyy to meet King Frederik X of Denmark.
Denmark Backs Ukraine’s EU Bid as Zelenskyy Meets European Leaders
Deep Look
AARHUS, Denmark (AP) — Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen pledged unwavering support for Ukraine’s efforts to join the European Union on Thursday, as Denmark kicked off its six-month presidency of the 27-nation bloc.
Frederiksen made the commitment alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during an event in the western city of Aarhus, marking Denmark’s eighth EU presidency since it joined the bloc in 1973.
The meeting took place amid growing challenges for Kyiv. The Trump administration recently paused some U.S. weapons shipments promised to help Ukraine defend against Russia’s full-scale invasion, now entering its fourth year. Meanwhile, Russian forces continue their relentless assault on Ukrainian cities with missiles and drones, and diplomatic efforts to broker peace remain 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,” Frederiksen said in a statement.
However, Ukraine’s EU aspirations face resistance from Hungary, where Prime Minister Viktor Orbán insists that Ukraine should serve as a buffer between Russia and NATO countries rather than integrate fully with the EU.
During meetings in Aarhus, EU leaders and Zelenskyy were also expected to discuss ramping up military support for Ukraine, boosting cooperation with its defense industry, and introducing fresh sanctions against Russia.
“We must partly strengthen Ukraine. Partly weaken Russia,” Frederiksen said. “The first thing we do is increase military support. Ukraine is crucial for Europe’s security. The second thing we do is sanctions. We must increase the pressure on Russia.”
Denmark has invested in Ukraine’s defense sector, recognizing its ability to produce arms and ammunition more quickly and affordably than much of the rest of Europe. Frederiksen also noted that Denmark has invited Ukrainian defense companies to establish operations on safer Danish soil.
Later Thursday, Zelenskyy was scheduled to meet King Frederik X of Denmark.
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