• Denmark supports Ukraine's EU membership amid halted U.S. military aid.
• Ukrainian President Zelenskyy met with Danish leaders to discuss accession efforts.
• European Commission commits to increased military support for Ukraine.
• Hungary's opposition remains an obstacle for Ukraine's EU bid.
• Denmark urges EU countries to enhance military spending and capabilities.

Denmark has pledged to support Ukraine's pursuit of European Union membership, coinciding with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit, marking the start of Denmark's six-month EU presidency. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated, "Ukraine is essential to Europe's security. Our contribution to Ukraine is also a protection of our freedom," emphasizing the need for EU solidarity amid increasing Russian aggression. While Zelenskyy attended meetings in Aarhus, including discussions about military support and sanctions against Russia, he stated that Ukraine has "already done everything required to start accession talks" for EU membership, according to trtglobal, lemonde, and africanews.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed the need for increased support for Ukraine, citing the recent U.S. decision to pause some military weapon shipments, a move seen as detrimental to Kyiv's defense efforts. During a press conference in Aarhus, she stated that "it's a clear message to step up our own support," underscoring a collective European responsibility to bolster defense capacities across the continent. Denmark's leadership will push for both military support and a focus on Ukraine's EU membership process, as they aim to counterbalance the impact of U.S. aid changes, according to lemonde and africanews.

Despite Denmark's initiatives, challenges remain, particularly opposition from Hungary, which has effectively stalled Ukraine's EU accession through its veto power. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has expressed concerns that Ukraine's membership could destabilize the EU. Nonetheless, Ukrainian officials maintain that efforts are underway "behind the scenes" to address Hungary's objections and garner broader support for Ukraine's EU bid, following an intense push for unity among EU nations facilitated by Denmark’s leadership, according to trtglobal and lemonde.