Zelensky arrives in Copenhagen for European Political Community summit
Editor's note: This item has been updated with additional information.
President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Copenhagen on Oct. 2 to take part in the European Political Community summit at the Bella Center.
"Today, we are working in Denmark at the European Political Community summit. I began my work with a meeting with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen," Zelensky wrote.
The president is expected to address the forum, which gathers about 50 heads of state and government alongside EU officials, and hold a press conference with Frederiksen.
Zelensky's visit coincides with heightened security concerns in Denmark.
A series of drone sightings temporarily shut down airports in recent days, prompting joint counter-drone exercises with Ukrainian military specialists who arrived in the country on Sept. 29.
Speaking to journalists ahead of the summit, Zelensky noted that Ukraine has extensive war experience and is ready to provide support to Denmark in countering this drone threat.
"Today, Europe is indeed facing this threat from drones and unmanned aerial vehicles," he said. "Ukraine has relevant experience due to the war... Of course, we will not stand aside."
During the visit, the Ukrainian president also met with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere to thank him for Norway's continued support for Kyiv.
"This year alone, Norway has provided $8.5 billion in aid, which is very significant," Zelensky said. "We discussed continuing defense support: strengthening air defense and financing the production of drones in Ukraine."
Zelensky also met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to discuss the supply of Patriot air defense systems and the potential use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine's defense and reconstruction.
"I am grateful to Germany for its consistent support of Ukraine. Germany is among the leaders in providing assistance, and this is very important to us," he said.
The Ukrainian leader's visit follows his remote appearance at an informal EU summit a day earlier, where he urged leaders to open the first negotiating cluster for Ukraine and Moldova.
The results of a bilateral screening, which was completed earlier this week and will serve as the basis for future accession talks, will be presented by the European Commission to member states for approval.
The European Commission recommended in November 2023 that accession talks begin with Ukraine and Moldova, a step endorsed by the European Council in December.
Sonya Bandouil
