Russia seeks to wage war not only in Ukraine but also in other parts of Europe – Danish PM

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said this during a joint press conference with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola at the European Parliament, following her presentation of Denmark's EU Council Presidency program to MEPs, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"For me, the number one priority is rearming Europe. I am, as you probably know, one of the European leaders that, unfortunately, believe that Russia is willing to continue the war not only in Ukraine but also in other parts of Europe and therefore we have to rearm ourselves," Frederiksen emphasized.

Achieving this goal, she added, requires pragmatism.

"I am aware, of course, that our starting point in the member states is different when it comes to financing 5%, as we agreed on only a few weeks ago. And therefore, we are now more flexible and pragmatic in the discussions about the next budget," Frederiksen said.

When asked whether she would support increasing the EU's collective debt due to spending beyond defense, she responded that, in her opinion, rearmament should remain the top priority.

Denmark assumed the rotating six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union on July 1.