Denmark premier urges Europe to act with ‘urgency’ on security in face of Russian threats

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has called on Europe and NATO to move with far greater urgency in strengthening both military and societal resilience against "Russian aggression and hybrid threats."

Speaking at the seventh meeting of the European Political Community, Frederiksen warned that despite widespread discussions about peace in Ukraine, Moscow’s attacks have not slowed.

“For the last few months, there has been much talk about peace in Ukraine, with meetings, pre-meetings and briefings about the meetings, and meanwhile, Russia continues its brutal attacks,” she said.

“It must be clear to everyone now: Russia will not stop until they are forced to do so.”

While acknowledging that most nations had stepped up defense efforts, she stressed that progress remained too slow. “We are on our way, but we have to move much faster. We have to learn from Ukraine, your sense of urgency.”

Frederiksen underlined that the Kremlin’s strategy went beyond the battlefield, pointing to the use of hybrid tactics. “One day it is military drones. Another day it’s migrants being pushed across the borders … They are targeting critical infrastructure … misinformation … attempts to interfere in democratic elections.”

“Security is, of course, not only a question about military means. It is a matter of our hearts and minds,” she added.

The Danish leader linked security to wider economic resilience, urging Europe to future-proof itself through jobs, health, and technology. “We have to create the jobs for the future. We have to reduce our dependencies. We have to invest in new technologies and source the critical raw materials that are necessary.”

On migration, she pressed for tougher border measures, warning: “Uncontrolled migration is changing our societies, and it is our citizens that pays the price.”

Turning to the battlefield, Frederiksen argued that Russia’s key war aims had already failed. “He wanted to capture Kyiv, he wanted to overthrow the Ukrainian government, and he wanted to tear Europe apart … After almost four years of full-scale war, Putin has not succeeded in any of that. The war is a Russian failure.”