Ukraine’s fight against Russia took centre stage in Copenhagen today, where President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stood alongside Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and leaders from across the Nordic and Baltic region. The message was blunt: more weapons, more ammunition, more sanctions.
“You are among friends in a country that understands what is at stake,” Frederiksen told Zelenskyy. She praised Ukraine’s resilience and stressed that its daily struggle is protecting all of Europe from Russian aggression.
The Pledge of Support
The meeting brought together leaders from Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Ukraine. Frederiksen confirmed the group’s commitment to tighten sanctions on Russia and accelerate deliveries of weapons and ammunition.
“I do not believe Putin will create peace until he is forced to do so,” she said, urging Europe and the wider world to step up.
Zelenskyy welcomed the pledges, reminding allies that Ukraine’s needs are vast. “Sanctions, weapons systems, drones. Everything. The Russian economy is already suffering—shortages of fuel, industries in decline. But sanctions must go further.”
Moscow Pushes Back
Russia reacted angrily. Its ambassador in Denmark, Vladimir Barbin, accused Copenhagen of moving toward direct involvement in the war. His remarks came after Denmark confirmed plans to let a Ukrainian arms manufacturer set up production in the country.
“If Ukraine produces rocket fuel for cruise missiles on Danish soil, it will become increasingly difficult not to consider Denmark as a direct participant,” Barbin said, warning that such missiles are openly intended for strikes deep inside Russia.
Security Guarantees on the Table
Beyond weapons, the talks turned to Ukraine’s long-term security. Zelenskyy insisted that without binding guarantees, any peace deal with Moscow would be fragile. He hinted at discussions with the United States, saying Washington has signalled willingness to provide assurances, though he offered no specifics.
Frederiksen echoed him: “The most important part of future security guarantees is ensuring Ukraine has a strong, well-equipped, and well-trained army. I do not trust Putin. Real peace requires real deterrence.”
The Trump Question
During questions, Zelenskyy was asked whether he trusts Donald Trump. He avoided a direct answer but acknowledged ongoing dialogue with Washington.
“The US can pressure Putin into negotiations. The US has given him a few weeks, and that time is about to expire. Tomorrow we will reach out to Donald Trump and talk about it,” he said.
Next Stop: Paris
From Copenhagen, Zelenskyy heads to Paris for a wider meeting of nearly 30 nations calling themselves the “coalition of the willing.” Their shared goal is to reinforce Ukraine’s sovereignty and shape a path toward a future peace—one that, as both Zelenskyy and Frederiksen underlined, will only hold if backed by weapons, sanctions, and security guarantees.