Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen asserts that Europe is engaged in a hybrid conflict initiated by Russia, with Ukraine serving as the continent’s frontline defense.
In Copenhagen, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is convening with nearly 50 European dignitaries to rally increased backing for Ukraine’s ongoing conflict, especially as the United States scales back its financial assistance.
On Thursday, Zelenskyy is set to address the European Political Community, urging enhanced support amid the war with Russia. This follows recent discussions among European Union leaders about proposals to allocate frozen Russian assets toward a substantial €140 billion ($164 billion) loan package for Kyiv.
His call for renewed aid arrives at a time when Europe remains vigilant following a series of provocative Russian incursions, intensifying pressure on the continent to bolster Ukraine as the U.S. shifts its strategic focus toward security challenges in Asia and other regions.
The summit occurs shortly after drone attacks targeted airports and military installations within Denmark. Prime Minister Frederiksen emphasized on Thursday that Europe is currently embroiled in a hybrid war orchestrated by Russia, with Ukraine positioned as the primary shield protecting the continent.
Although Danish authorities have yet to identify the perpetrators behind the europe-disturbing-shift-russian-airspace-violations-drones/” title=”Denmark Sounds Alarm on …rope's 'Disturbing Shift' Amid Rising Russian Airspace Violations and Unwanted Drone Activity – …rope Live”>drone incidents, Frederiksen compared these acts to zelenskyy-trump-un-meeting-russia-ukraine-war/” title=”… to Meet Trump at UN Amid Escalating Russian Attacks | Russia-Ukraine … Updates”>recent airspace violations over Poland, underscoring the urgent need for Europe to achieve full self-defense capabilities by 2030.
During Wednesday’s discussions, European leaders explored strategies to prepare the continent to resist Russian aggression within the next decade. Intelligence assessments warn that Russia may attempt further offensives in Europe within three to five years, with President Vladimir Putin intent on probing NATO’s resolve.
Security measures at the summit are exceptionally stringent, including the deployment of a specialized radar system at Copenhagen Airport to monitor potential threats.
Hungary’s Obstruction of Ukraine’s EU Membership
Addressing the assembly of around 50 heads of state and EU officials, Zelenskyy implored the European Union to honor its commitments regarding Ukraine’s EU membership aspirations.
Europe must uphold its promises, just as candidate nations fulfill their obligations. Thank you, and we anticipate tangible outcomes.
This was my message to the European Council participants.
– Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) October 1, 2025
Brussels and Kyiv officials confirm that Ukraine has met the necessary legal criteria to advance its EU accession process, yet Hungary remains steadfast in its opposition.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán declared on Thursday his unwavering resistance to Ukraine’s EU membership bid.
“Firstly, it would bring war into the European Union. Secondly, EU funds would be directed to Ukraine,” Orbán stated during the Copenhagen summit on Wednesday.
Orbán’s stance also diverges from broader EU efforts to cease purchasing Russian oil and gas.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has insisted that NATO members halt fossil fuel imports from Russia before he supports intensified sanctions aimed at compelling Moscow to end the conflict in Ukraine.
Hungary, alongside neighboring Slovakia, remains among the few EU nations still receiving Russian oil through pipeline infrastructure.
Orbán, a prominent Trump ally within the EU, argues that Hungary’s landlocked geography prevents it from discontinuing Russian oil imports-a position that has met with considerable criticism.
“Those who prioritize relations with Russia over America are opposing both Europe and the United States,” Zelenskyy remarked via video link to EU leaders on Wednesday.
“We sincerely hope that Hungary will heed these collective appeals from all of us.”
