Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to meet with nearly 50 European leaders in Copenhagen on Thursday. The primary focus of the discussions will be the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine and the need for a united European response.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen emphasized that the war in Ukraine is central to the summit's agenda. "Russia's war in Ukraine sets the tone for the meeting, and the road to a strong and secure Europe is top of the agenda," she stated. Zelenskyy will be a keynote speaker at the European Political Community summit, which includes heads of state and representatives from the European Union and international organizations. Following the summit, he will hold a press conference with Frederiksen.

Frederiksen highlighted the importance of unity among European nations, stating, "We have one task ahead of us. We have to make Europe as strong as possible. That calls for unity, rearmament, and political determination to find solutions across our continent." She also noted that Russia's aggression is not limited to Ukraine, saying, "Russia's war in Ukraine was never only about Ukraine. That has become increasingly evident over the last few weeks."

Zelenskyy expressed concerns about escalating Russian threats, citing recent violations of airspace in Denmark, Poland, Romania, Norway, and Estonia. He reiterated Ukraine's readiness to collaborate with European partners on a joint air defense system, contributing Ukrainian expertise and technology to the EU's proposed "drone wall" aimed at countering Russian drone attacks. He also thanked Denmark for its recent military aid package, valued at over $423 million.

As the summit approaches, Zelenskyy is seeking to secure more support from European leaders amid a shift in U.S. focus towards Asia. The meeting comes after discussions among EU leaders about utilizing frozen Russian assets to fund a new €140 billion ($164 billion) loan for Ukraine. Belgium's Prime Minister Bart De Wever has called for guarantees from fellow EU leaders regarding the risks associated with using these assets.

Frederiksen described the situation as a hybrid war, stating that Ukraine is Europe's first line of defense. She noted that security measures at the summit are heightened due to recent drone incidents in Denmark, which have raised alarms about potential Russian aggression spilling over into Europe.

Zelenskyy also urged the EU to fulfill its promises regarding Ukraine's bid for membership, despite opposition from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Orban has expressed firm resistance to Ukraine joining the EU, citing concerns about the implications of war entering the bloc and the financial support that would be required.

As the summit unfolds, Zelenskyy remains hopeful that European leaders will unite in their support for Ukraine, emphasizing the need for a collective response to Russian threats. "Those who choose ties with Russia instead of America are going against both Europe and the US," he stated in a video link to EU leaders.

The outcome of the Copenhagen summit could significantly impact Ukraine's ongoing struggle against Russian aggression and its aspirations for closer ties with Europe.