Copenhagen hosts a pivotal informal EU Council on Ukraine and security
Europe wakes to an agenda shaped by the ongoing war in Ukraine and the broader struggle with Russian pressure. The informal EU Council meeting in Copenhagen brings together leaders to discuss defence readiness, Ukraine support, and the evolving security landscape as drones, cyber threats, and airspace incursions test Western resolve. A non-paper on a Defense Readiness Road Map is expected to be examined ahead of the formal October Council, with the Ukraine challenge front and center.
Von der Leyen’s warning: times are difficult, unity is essential
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived at the Copenhagen talks with a stark message: the war is ongoing, and Moscow is testing Europe’s unity and resilience. She underscored the need for a shared sense of urgency and a unified stance against intimidation and division within societies. Her remarks reflected a broader European stance that treacherous tactics from Russia—drone incursions, airspace violations, and hybrid warfare—must be met with coordinated, decisive action rather than piecemeal responses.
Diplomatic gestures amid humanitarian concern: the Princess Royal’s visit to Kyiv
In a show of solidarity with Ukraine, a surprise royal trip to Kyiv saw a delegation including Princess Anna, the Princess Royal, visiting facilities aiding war-affected children. The visit, kept quiet for security, included laying a wreath beside a memorial for children lost to the conflict and a briefing on the fate of thousands of displaced minors. The royal goodwill mission followed similar gestures by other European leaders and figures, highlighting the civilian toll of the war and the international commitment to Ukraine’s resilience.
Drones, security, and Germany’s response: a legal and operational shift
Germany is moving to tighten drone defenses through a reform of the security and policing framework. The interior minister outlined a plan to empower both police and the Bundeswehr to counter drone threats and to establish a joint drone defense center for information sharing and threat analysis among the states and federal authorities. This effort acknowledges that not every drone signals a threat, but a proactive, legally grounded approach is necessary to deter provocations and protect critical infrastructure—from energy sites to hospitals—along with the broader airspace system.
The Russia–China axis: Putin’s message to Xi on historic high ties
In a formal note published by the Kremlin, President Vladimir Putin told Chinese President Xi Jinping that Russia–China relations are at their “historic highs.” The message, timed to celebrate the PRC’s founding anniversary, conveyed confidence that bilateral agreements would deepen cooperation and enable joint ventures across sectors. The exchange underscores Moscow’s pivot toward Beijing amid Western pressure and its aim to shape a multipolar international order.
Denmark warns that hybrid warfare is just beginning
Speaking to the Financial Times, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that Russia’s “hybrid warfare”—drone activity, cyber intrusions, and sabotage—has barely begun. She urged NATO and European partners to bolster collective defense beyond conventional force spending, stressing that a broader strategy is required to deter and respond to destabilizing tactics designed to divide Europe and erode public trust.
Eastern flank resilience: Romania’s drone defense plan with Kyiv
Romania’s foreign minister signaled a rapid move to co-produce defensive drones with Ukraine, aimed at safeguarding the eastern flank and strengthening regional air defense. The plan, still in early talks, would also serve broader NATO and EU needs, providing a quick, scalable capability for internal defense and allied support as tensions remain elevated in the region.
What to expect from Copenhagen’s discussions
By design, the Copenhagen gathering focuses on security, defense readiness, and Ukraine support, with a likely emphasis on coordinating supply, arms, and intelligence sharing while avoiding a formal final communique that could constrain candid dialogue. Zelensky may participate via video link, reinforcing the sense of urgency from Kyiv and Western capitals alike. Leaders will also review ongoing drone incidents, hybrid threats, and the institutional groundwork needed to meet future challenges while keeping the door open to rapid, practical actions when called for.
