Zelenskyy in Denmark talks EU "drone wall" and new Russia sanctions

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced this in his official Telegram channel.

The Ukrainian leader met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President António Costa, and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.

“We discussed Ukraine’s EU integration and the opening of the first cluster together with Moldova, our readiness to join the ‘drone wall’ initiative and share our own experience, the use of frozen Russian assets and new financial tools to support Ukraine, as well as the importance of adopting the EU’s 19th package of sanctions against Russia,” Zelenskyy said.

He thanked partners for their support and shared understanding of the importance of unity and working for common security.

“It is important that Europe’s role is tangible, and we count on even more active work in all areas,” the president added.

Earlier in the day, Danish outlet DR.dk reported that Zelenskyy visited the Bella Center, where the large EU summit is taking place. Heads of state and government from 27 EU countries, along with leaders of 20 other nations, are attending.

Zelenskyy and Frederiksen were the first to arrive at the event. The Danish prime minister noted that they discussed several issues, including drones.

“Ukraine is helping Europe and Denmark, and we plan to strengthen cooperation. Technologies are developing very rapidly, and drones are one of the key elements of hybrid warfare,” Frederiksen said.

According to Zelenskyy’s official Telegram channel, the focus of the meeting with Frederiksen was violations of the airspace of Denmark, Poland, Romania, Norway, and Estonia.

“Russia is escalating, and we discussed how we can respond to these threats. We have repeatedly proposed creating a joint, integrated air defense system. The expertise of Ukrainian professionals and Ukrainian technologies must become an important part of the EU’s Drone Wall initiative. Right now, a strong group of Ukrainian service members is in Denmark, helping Danish colleagues,” Zelenskyy said.

They also spoke separately about implementing the PURL initiative and Denmark’s continued participation in the program.

“We value Denmark’s contribution of €90 million. I am grateful to Denmark for a military aid package of more than €360 million to support Ukrainian production under the Danish model,” he added.

Frederiksen also said she will meet today with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

“We will discuss alternative rules for deporting foreign criminals. My priority in immigration policy, aside from tracking the number of arrivals, is to have the ability to send people home when they misbehave. For this, we will need to persuade other countries. We are working on it,” the Danish prime minister said.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also attended the European Political Community summit. When asked whether he believes the Danish government is adequately prepared for the Russian threat, he said:

“I have the utmost confidence in Denmark. You lead when it comes to defense spending, security for Ukraine, and self-defense,” Rutte said.

Meeting with the Prime Minister of Norway

Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that he also held talks with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. Zelenskyy thanked him for Norway's support for Ukraine. According to him, Norway has provided $8.5 billion this year alone.

“We discussed continued defense support: strengthening air defense, funding drone production in Ukraine, countering Russian threats, and the EU initiative to create a Drone Wall, with Ukraine’s willingness to share its expertise. The PURL initiative and energy support for Ukraine were also discussed,” Zelenskyy said.