Overview: EU faces tough tests as the Ukraine war enters a new phase
The Ukraine war remains a defining global crisis, with European leaders signaling urgency and unity as Russia presses to test Western resolve. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, arriving in Copenhagen for an informal EU summit, stressed the need for a common sense of urgency and solidarity. She cited recent security incidents that stretch from drone incursions in Poland and airspace violations in Estonia to a broader pattern of hybrid pressure directed at Western societies. The message is clear: the bloc will not be divided, even as the conflict continues to evolve on multiple fronts.
Humanitarian focus: royal solidarity visit to Kyiv
A new sign of international solidarity came from the British royal family. Princess Anne, visiting Kyiv to meet Ukrainian officials and visit children affected by the war, laid a wreath with First Lady Olena Zelenska at a memorial honoring the youngest victims of the conflict. The visit underscored international concern for the 19,500 children Kiev says were deported to Russia from occupied areas. The engagement followed similar gestures of support from other UK royals and highlighted the ongoing human cost of the war even as strategic discussions continue in European capitals.
Security and defense: drones at the center of policy
Germany announced a shift toward stronger drone defense as part of a broader security reform. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said the government plans to update drone-related legislation and expand the role of the Bundeswehr in drone defense, including a joint center to share threat assessments and coordinate measures with the Länder. He cautioned that not every drone represents an imminent threat, but cautions against underestimating the hybrid risk posed by drone activity and other provocations.
This comes amid reports of domestic drone activity in Schleswig-Holstein that have raised concerns about critical infrastructure security. Local authorities are investigating possible espionage involving drones near a naval facility, a university hospital, a power plant, and other sites, with additional sightings reported near Rostock and the offshore area of the Kiel Canal. While authorities urge caution, the episodes illustrate the practical challenges of safeguarding territory in a new era of aerial reconnaissance and interference.
New phase of the Copenhagen summit agenda: defence, Ukraine, and debate
As leaders gather at Christiansborg Palace, they will focus on security and defence readiness, including a preliminary “defence readiness road map” to be refined at the formal EU Council later this year. Ukraine remains a central issue, with potential participation by President Volodymyr Zelensky via video conference. An official photo opportunity is planned, but there is no final communiqué, reflecting an intent to keep discussions open and constructive as the bloc contends with both military and political pressures.
Geopolitics on the global stage: Moscow and Beijing strengthen ties
Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a message to Chinese leader Xi Jinping on the occasion of the 76th anniversary of the People’s Republic, saying that Russo-Chinese relations are at historic highs. The note, published by the Kremlin, praised cooperation and expressed hope that bilateral accords will spur broader collaboration across key sectors. The exchange comes as China seeks to position itself as a stabilizing partner amid western sanctions and Moscow’s continued pressure on Ukraine.
NATO and Denmark: hybrid warfare is just the start
Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that Russia’s hybrid warfare is only beginning and called on NATO and EU partners to bolster resilience. In an interview with the Financial Times, she argued that safeguarding democracies requires more than boosting anti-drone and cyber defense; it demands a holistic strategy to deter disinformation, ensure energy security, and maintain allied unity in the face of persistent provocations.
Eastern flank security: Romania’s drone defense plan with Ukraine
Romania’s foreign minister, Oana Toiu, told Reuters that Bucharest aims to accelerate the joint production of defensive drones with Ukraine. The project would bolster Romania’s eastern flank for both internal defense and allied use, reflecting a broader trend toward integrated regional security capable of deterring threats along NATO’s eastern frontier.
What to watch: charting the next steps in a tense moment
The current round of discussions in Copenhagen signals a focus on practical preparations—drone defense, allied interoperability, and unified political messaging—while leaving space for open dialogue on Ukraine’s future needs. Zelensky’s possible virtual appearance would underscore the alliance’s commitment to Ukraine, even as member states wrestle with the most effective ways to deter aggression and support resilience on the front lines.
