Denmark's PM Rejects Trump's Claim That Putin Is Easier to Deal With Than Zelensky

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen pushed back firmly against Donald Trump's recent comments in which the US president described Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as more difficult to deal with than Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Speaking at the EU leaders' summit in Brussels on Friday, Frederiksen said she disagreed with Trump's characterization and defended Zelensky's position. The Danish leader emphasized that Ukraine is fighting for its survival and that Western support must remain steadfast.

Trump's remarks, made earlier this week, drew sharp criticism from European leaders who see them as undermining allied unity. Ukraine's allies have repeatedly stressed that any peace process must be conducted on Ukraine's terms and cannot reward Russian aggression.

Frederiksen's statement comes as EU leaders gathered to discuss continued military and financial support for Ukraine, as well as how to respond to growing American skepticism about the war effort. The Danish PM has been among the most vocal European supporters of Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.