AARHUS, Denmark (AP) 鈥 Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen vowed Thursday to back Ukraine in its quest to join the European Union, as Denmark officially launched its six-month presidency of the world鈥檚 biggest trading bloc.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskky joined Frederiksen and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in the western city of Aarhus, where Denmark is marking the start of its eighth EU presidency since joining in 1973.
It comes after the Trump administration decided to promised to help Kyiv fight off
搁耻蝉蝉颈补鈥檚 to capture more territory has put Ukraine鈥檚 defenses under severe strain, with the war now in its fourth year. Russian missiles and drones are . U.S.-led have stalled.
鈥淯kraine 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,鈥 Frederiksen said in a statement.
Ukraine鈥檚 EU membership path is being blocked by Hungary. Prime Minister Viktor Orb谩n insists that the country should remain a between Russia and NATO countries.
Increased military support, cooperation with the Ukrainian defense industry and new sanctions against Russia were also due to be discussed between EU officials and Zelenskyy.
鈥淲e must partly strengthen Ukraine. Partly weaken Russia. The first thing we do is increase military support. Ukraine is crucial for Europe鈥檚 security," Frederiksen said. "The second thing we do is sanctions. We must increase the pressure on Russia.鈥
Her government has invested in Ukraine鈥檚 defense industry 鈥 which can produce arms and ammunition more quickly and cheaply than elsewhere in Europe 鈥 and has invited Ukrainian companies to set up shop on safer ground in Denmark.
Zelenskyy was also scheduled to have an audience with King Frederik X of Denmark.
