Estonia’s Prime Minister Kristen Mihal warned that Russia’s latest airspace violations are aimed at diverting Europe from supporting Ukraine ahead of the EU leaders’ summit.
In an interview with the agency in Copenhagen, he noted that Putin wants Europe to talk about itself, not about Ukraine or aid to Kyiv, not in order to confront Russia in Ukraine.
“Putin wants us to talk about ourselves, not about Ukraine, not about aiding Ukraine, not to confront Russia in Ukraine.”
– Kristen Mihal
EU discusses strengthening defense and backing Kyiv
EU leaders will gather in Denmark to consider strengthening defense capabilities and further support for Ukraine under heightened scrutiny after a string of mysterious drone flights across the region. The events unfold against the backdrop of recent Russian airspace violations in Estonia and Poland, fueling tensions in Europe.
One of the main initiatives is the so-called “drone wall” project to detect and destroy Russian drones. The idea has backing at EU and NATO level, but details of cost and implementation are still being discussed.
“This idea is timely and necessary”
– Mark Rutte
There are also plans to use Russian assets frozen in Europe, worth approximately €140 billion, to finance a loan to Ukraine, alongside a shift in the pace of American military aid. Ursula von der Leyen called this a move that could change the course of the war.
“We are demonstrating the resolve to take a decisive step on our side that could be a turning point in this conflict”
– Ursula von der Leyen
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said that the Russian occupation of the Zaporizhzhia NPP is continuing for a seventh day without interruption, warning of a potential “critical” situation. Russian shelling has disrupted power lines and made cooling of the reactors and prevention of a nuclear accident impossible.
“This is the seventh day. There has never been such an emergency at the Zaporizhzhia NPP before. The situation is critical. Russian shelling has disconnected the plant from the power grid.”
– Volodymyr Zelenskiy
Oana Toiu, Romania’s foreign minister, said the country is strengthening cooperation with Ukraine on quickly launching the production of defense drones on Romanian soil for use at home and among EU and NATO allies, with a focus on bolstering the defense of the eastern flank.
“We believe in our ability to make this a reality quickly”
– Oana Toiu
In the United Kingdom, Princess Anne, the only daughter of the late Queen Elizabeth II, visited Ukraine to express support for children and families affected by the war. She met with President Zelenskiy in Kyiv and visited the memorial to fallen children and a veterans’ rehabilitation center. The visit comes after Prince Harry’s trip to Kyiv with Invictus Games Foundation initiatives to support wounded veterans.