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EU leaders discuss defence, Ukraine support at meeting

Ursula von der Leyen was greeted by Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen at the meeting
Ursula von der Leyen was greeted by Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen at the meeting

EU leaders are continuing to discuss European defence and ongoing military support for Ukraine at an informal summit in Copenhagen.

Attending the meeting, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he supported the use of up to €140 billion in frozen Russian assets being used to provide military support for Ukraine.

The meeting has been overshadowed by growing concern about Russian activity in European airspace, be it from drones being launched into Poland, or the violation of Estonia's airspace by Russian jets.

German authorities have now confirmed there were unmanned aerial vehicles spotted over military facilities and critical infrastructure last week.

A Benin-flagged tanker, suspected of being part of Russia’s so-called shadow fleet shipping sanctioned oil, is now understood to be at the centre of enquiries over a swarm of drones which closed Copenhagen airport last week.

It is thought the drones may have been launched from the vessels, which was in Danish waters at the time of the incursion.

Micheal Martin speaks to press
Micheál Martin said he supported the use of €140 billion in frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine

EU leaders are looking at flagship defence projects, including a drone wall, and how they may be funded and managed.

There has been a discussion on how to convert €140 billion of frozen Russian assets into a loan for Ukraine to be repaid only if Russia commits to reparations after the war ends.

The Kremlin has described the suggestion as pure theft.

The informal meeting of EU leaders in the Danish capital Copenhagen is focusing on the growing threat of Russian incursions into European airspace, as well as long term financial and military support for Ukraine.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer sits alongside Jakob Baruel Poulsen, CEO of CIP
Keir Starmer met with business people in Copenhagen

The recent closure of Copenhagen airport due to drone incursions, as well as drone sightings over Danish military bases, mean that the Russian threat is now more concrete than abstract, senior EU figures have said.

The issue of European defence has dominated the meeting of EU leaders.

Policy initiatives, such as a so-called drone wall to protect against Russian drone incursions, as well as a proposed eastern flank watch, in light of recent incursions into EU airspace by Russian fighter jets will now be given much more urgent attention.

No decisions will be taken at the meeting as it is informal, but it is expected to prepare the groundwork for a formal summit in Brussels in just over three weeks' time.

Mr Martin also raised the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the latest efforts to end the war.

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