Europe leaders discuss Ukraine as EU’s von der Leyen pledges not to lift sanctions unless Russia stops the war

Leaders clash over Russia policy

US President Donald Trump said he was not a fan of Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy and described him as harder to deal with than Russian President Vladimir Putin. Denmark’s prime minister, Mette Frederiksen, rejected that assessment, saying she did not believe Putin could be trusted or that Europe should cooperate with Russia.

Frederiksen said European security and the wider Nato alliance were threatened when Europe was attacked. She argued that European countries must keep defending themselves and strengthen their military capabilities.

Frederiksen urges support for Ukraine

Frederiksen said tensions with the US made the situation difficult, with winter approaching. She called for continued support for Ukraine, warning that the country was running short of funds and could not make some equipment it needs, particularly air defences.

She said Russian forces were striking Ukrainian society harder than before. Frederiksen urged the EU to ensure enough funding was available for 2027 and warned that Russia was seeking to seize parts of Europe and waging both direct and hybrid war.

She said Russia could end the conflict by stopping the war. Frederiksen also rejected reports that European leaders had asked Zelenskyy to soften his criticism of Trump, saying she had not heard any leader make such a request.

Kallas calls situation grave

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas described the situation in Ukraine as “really grave” and said Russia had shown no sign of seeking a truce or peace. She said Ukraine needed help to endure a harsh winter and defend its country.

Kallas said EU members had agreed not to return frozen Russian assets unless Russia pays reparations to Ukraine. She added that the bloc was trying to persuade its American partners to increase pressure on Moscow, but said relations with US allies were difficult.