Support for Ukraine's EU membership quest as Zelensky meets key European backers
It comes after US President Donald Trump's administration decided to halt some arms shipments promised to help Kyiv fight off Russia's invasion.
Russia's renewed push to capture more territory has put Ukraine's defences under severe strain, with the war now in its fourth year.
Russian missiles and drones are battering Ukrainian cities, while US-led efforts to find a peace settlement 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 said in a statement.
Ukraine's EU membership path is being blocked by Hungary. Prime Minister Viktor Orban insists that the country should remain a buffer zone between Russia and Nato countries.
Increased military support, co-operation with the Ukrainian defence industry and new sanctions against Russia were also due to be discussed between EU officials and Mr Zelensky.
'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.'
Her government has invested in Ukraine's defence industry – which can produce arms and ammunition more quickly and cheaply than elsewhere in Europe – and has invited Ukrainian companies to set up shop on safer ground in Denmark.
Mr Zelensky is also scheduled to have an audience with King Frederik X of Denmark.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Glasgow Times
12 minutes ago
- Glasgow Times
Starmer and Macron to host coalition of the willing meeting next week
The Prime Minister and France's leader will dial into a meeting with allies on Thursday, as Mr Macron makes his first state visit to the UK, it is understood. Britain and France have led efforts to establish the coalition, a peacekeeping force aimed at policing any future ceasefire deal in Ukraine, and deterring further threats by Russia. The effectiveness of the coalition has been called into question, as only London and Paris have so far indicated they would provide frontline soldiers towards it. President Donald Trump speaks with reporters as he arrives on Air Force One, Friday, July 4, 2025, at Joint Base Andrews, Md. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) The peacekeeping mission would also be predicated on American air support, something which US President Donald Trump has been unwilling to openly say he would provide. Russia launched a massive barrage of drone strikes on Kyiv overnight, reportedly the largest since the war began. Some 550 drones and missiles were fired at Ukraine in the strikes, with the capital Kyiv the primary target. At least 23 people were injured, with 14 taken to hospital, according to the city's mayor Vitali Klitschko. The strikes came hours after Mr Trump held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, pushing him to accept a truce. No 10 said the continued Russia strikes were 'clear evidence that Putin was not serious about peace', as it condemned them. The Russian strike on Kyiv was reportedly one of the biggest of the war (AP Photo/Yehor Konovalov) A Downing Street spokesman added: 'Since Ukraine agreed to an unconditional ceasefire over four months ago, 700 civilians have been killed, more than 3,000 injured, 'We are, alongside our allies, absolutely united in support of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. We are clear that must start with a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire.' The UK's immediate focus is 'stepping up our support Ukraine, ratcheting up the pressure on Russia', he said. Mr Trump has halted some shipments of critical weapons to Kyiv in recent days, including those used for air defences. Ukraine has warned the move will prevent it from defending against Russian air strikes.
Rhyl Journal
14 minutes ago
- Rhyl Journal
Starmer and Macron to host coalition of the willing meeting next week
The Prime Minister and France's leader will dial into a meeting with allies on Thursday, as Mr Macron makes his first state visit to the UK, it is understood. Britain and France have led efforts to establish the coalition, a peacekeeping force aimed at policing any future ceasefire deal in Ukraine, and deterring further threats by Russia. The effectiveness of the coalition has been called into question, as only London and Paris have so far indicated they would provide frontline soldiers towards it. The peacekeeping mission would also be predicated on American air support, something which US President Donald Trump has been unwilling to openly say he would provide. Russia launched a massive barrage of drone strikes on Kyiv overnight, reportedly the largest since the war began. Some 550 drones and missiles were fired at Ukraine in the strikes, with the capital Kyiv the primary target. At least 23 people were injured, with 14 taken to hospital, according to the city's mayor Vitali Klitschko. The strikes came hours after Mr Trump held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, pushing him to accept a truce. No 10 said the continued Russia strikes were 'clear evidence that Putin was not serious about peace', as it condemned them. A Downing Street spokesman added: 'Since Ukraine agreed to an unconditional ceasefire over four months ago, 700 civilians have been killed, more than 3,000 injured, 'We are, alongside our allies, absolutely united in support of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. We are clear that must start with a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire.' The UK's immediate focus is 'stepping up our support Ukraine, ratcheting up the pressure on Russia', he said. Mr Trump has halted some shipments of critical weapons to Kyiv in recent days, including those used for air defences. Ukraine has warned the move will prevent it from defending against Russian air strikes.
North Wales Chronicle
24 minutes ago
- North Wales Chronicle
Starmer and Macron to host coalition of the willing meeting next week
The Prime Minister and France's leader will dial into a meeting with allies on Thursday, as Mr Macron makes his first state visit to the UK, it is understood. Britain and France have led efforts to establish the coalition, a peacekeeping force aimed at policing any future ceasefire deal in Ukraine, and deterring further threats by Russia. The effectiveness of the coalition has been called into question, as only London and Paris have so far indicated they would provide frontline soldiers towards it. The peacekeeping mission would also be predicated on American air support, something which US President Donald Trump has been unwilling to openly say he would provide. Russia launched a massive barrage of drone strikes on Kyiv overnight, reportedly the largest since the war began. Some 550 drones and missiles were fired at Ukraine in the strikes, with the capital Kyiv the primary target. At least 23 people were injured, with 14 taken to hospital, according to the city's mayor Vitali Klitschko. The strikes came hours after Mr Trump held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, pushing him to accept a truce. No 10 said the continued Russia strikes were 'clear evidence that Putin was not serious about peace', as it condemned them. A Downing Street spokesman added: 'Since Ukraine agreed to an unconditional ceasefire over four months ago, 700 civilians have been killed, more than 3,000 injured, 'We are, alongside our allies, absolutely united in support of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. We are clear that must start with a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire.' The UK's immediate focus is 'stepping up our support Ukraine, ratcheting up the pressure on Russia', he said. Mr Trump has halted some shipments of critical weapons to Kyiv in recent days, including those used for air defences. Ukraine has warned the move will prevent it from defending against Russian air strikes.
