Denmark’s Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, has issued a stark warning about the implications of the United States potentially withholding military support from Ukraine. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Frederiksen emphasized that such a decision would represent a significant setback not only for Ukraine but also for the European Union and NATO.

The backdrop to Frederiksen’s comments is the anticipated dialogue between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, scheduled for Friday. The Financial Times first reported that the discussion will tackle the unexpected pause in certain crucial U.S. weapons deliveries to Kyiv. While Reuters has not confirmed this report, the White House has maintained silence on the matter.

Frederiksen highlighted that the conflict extends beyond Ukraine’s borders, stating, “The war in Ukraine has never only been about Ukraine. This is a war about the future of Europe.” Her remarks come as Denmark assumes the EU Presidency, marking a pivotal moment in European geopolitical dynamics.

The Financial Times has reported that U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy will discuss the recent suspension of key U.S. weapons deliveries to Kyiv in an upcoming call. The halt has raised concerns about Ukraine’s defense capabilities amid escalating Russian aggression.

Alongside discussing the paused shipments, Zelenskiy intends to address potential future arms sales with the U.S. The timing of this critical call is still subject to change, according to sources familiar with the matter. Notably, the White House has yet to comment on the situation.

The suspension, linked to dwindling U.S. stockpiles, has prompted Ukraine to emphasize the significance of continued military aid from Washington. The Pentagon’s decision particularly impacts the delivery of Patriot missiles, which are crucial for countering Russian ballistic missile threats.

(With inputs from agencies.)

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FILE PHOTO: Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy meet at Trump Tower in New York City, U.S., September 27, 2024. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton/File Photo

U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy are expected to discuss the abrupt halt in some key U.S. weapons deliveries to Kyiv in a call on Friday, the Financial Times reported on Thursday.

Zelenskiy would also raise potential future arms sales, the newspaper said, citing people familiar with the planning.

The timing of the call could change, the newspaper added.

Reuters could not immediately confirm the report. The White House did not immediately respond to a Reuters’ request for comment.

The U.S. has paused some shipments of critical weapons to Ukraine due to low stockpiles, sources earlier told Reuters.

That decision led to Ukraine calling in the acting U.S. envoy to Kyiv on Wednesday to underline the importance of military aid from Washington continuing, and caution that the move would weaken Ukraine’s ability to defend against intensifying Russian airstrikes and battlefield advances.

The Pentagon’s move led in part to a cut in deliveries of Patriot air defence missiles that Ukraine relies on to destroy fast-moving ballistic missiles, Reuters reported on Wednesday. REUTERS

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COPENHAGEN – If the United States were to not give Ukraine the military support it needs, it would be a serious setback for Ukraine, the EU and NATO, Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said on Thursday.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy are expected to discuss the abrupt halt in some key U.S. weapons deliveries to Kyiv in a call on Friday, the Financial Times reported on Thursday.

Reuters could not immediately confirm the report. The White House did not immediately respond to a Reuters’ request for comment.

“If the U.S. decides not to provide Ukraine with what is needed, it would be a serious setback for Ukraine and for Europe and for NATO,” Frederiksen told a joint press conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in connection with Denmark’s takeover of the EU Presidency.

“The war in Ukraine has never only been about Ukraine. This is a war about the future of Europe,” she added. REUTERS

Trump and Zelenskiy to discuss pause of US arms deliveries in call: Report

U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy are expected to discuss the abrupt halt in some key U.S. weapons deliveries to Kyiv in a call on Friday, the Financial Times reported on Thursday.

Zelenskiy would also raise potential future arms sales, the newspaper said, citing people familiar with the planning.

The timing of the call could change, the newspaper added.

Reuters could not immediately confirm the report. The White House did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for comment.

The U.S. has paused some shipments of critical weapons to Ukraine due to low stockpiles, sources earlier told Reuters.

That decision led to Ukraine calling in the acting U.S. envoy to Kyiv on Wednesday to underline the importance of military aid from Washington continuing, and caution that the move would weaken Ukraine’s ability to defend against intensifying Russian airstrikes and battlefield advances.

The Pentagon’s move led in part to a cut in deliveries of Patriot air defense missiles that Ukraine relies on to destroy fast-moving ballistic missiles, Reuters reported on Wednesday.

Reuters