At the European summit held in Copenhagen, European leaders called for tougher measures against Russia, particularly targeting its energy sector.
French President Emmanuel Macron urged Europe to adopt a more assertive approach—by shooting down drones entering European airspace and intercepting ships from the so-called “shadow fleet” that illegally transport oil, depriving Moscow of its war revenue.
“Europe must take a more aggressive stance against Russia by downing drones that enter its airspace and boarding ships from the shadow fleet that illegally transport oil,” Macron said.
He stressed that Ukraine is on the front line of a hybrid war expanding against Europe, urging more than 40 leaders at the European Political Community Summit to defend their interests without signaling intentions to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“Our response should be more unpredictability and more strategic ambiguity,” Macron continued. “It’s crucial to deliver a clear message: drones violating our territory face a serious risk—they can be destroyed, period. We will do what must be done.”
Macron also cited France’s seizure of an oil tanker listed under EU sanctions as part of the Russian “shadow fleet,” calling it an effective example of action. Maritime experts suspect the vessel may have been used as a platform to launch drones over military installations in Denmark.
He revealed that Russia finances 30–40% of its war effort through this fleet of old tankers with obscure ownership, emphasizing that even temporary confiscations could cripple the system’s efficiency.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who hosted the summit following a wave of drone incidents over Denmark, warned:
“It must now be clear to everyone—Russia will not stop unless it is forced to. Russia is a threat not only to Ukraine, but to all of us. Our duty is to make Europe so strong that a war against us becomes unimaginable—and we must act now.”
She added that Europe can no longer afford naivety, declaring:
“The war was never just about Ukraine. It’s about Europe—our nations, our citizens, our values, and our freedom.”
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz echoed this determination:
“Putin must not underestimate our resolve. There is genuine unity and a firm commitment to confront this aggression together.”
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk urged leaders to abandon any “illusions” about Russia’s intentions, recalling Poland’s repeated exposure to Russian threats, including a major drone incursion last month. The event prompted Warsaw to invoke NATO’s Article 4, leading to allied consultations and a pledge to shoot down any Russian drones entering Polish airspace.
“The first illusion is that there is no war—wrong. It’s a war, a new and complex one. The second illusion is that it’s impossible for Ukraine and us to win—absurd. The only Russian advantage is mentality. If they win in Ukraine, it would mean the end of my country and of Europe,” Tusk warned.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also emphasized the importance of maintaining economic pressure on Moscow.
“Economic pressure is working, and we must sustain it—with tougher sanctions, especially targeting energy and the shadow fleet,” he said before leaving the summit early to return to Britain after the terrorist attack outside a Manchester synagogue that left two people dead.
“It’s equally vital to ensure Ukraine has the strongest possible position—more air defenses, long-range missiles, and anti-drone capabilities,” Starmer concluded.
