Denmark PM tells allies 'can't let Russia to decide red line in Ukraine war'

In a bold statement on Monday, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called for Ukraine’s allies to authorise the use of donated weapons for long-range strikes against Russia. This comes as discussions around restrictions on Ukraine’s military actions intensify.

Ending the discussion on red lines

“My suggestion is, let us end the discussion about red lines,” Frederiksen told Bloomberg in an interview.

She criticised Ukraine’s allies for hesitating to allow Kyiv to target sites within Russia, arguing that such caution has given Moscow “too good a card in their hands.”

Growing calls for action

Arms-donating countries, especially the US, have imposed limitations on the use of their weapons, fearing deeper involvement in the conflict. However, there is a rising demand from various leaders, including the EU’s top diplomat and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, to lift these restrictions, stressing their importance for Ukraine’s success. Denmark, Finland, and Sweden have already expressed their support for allowing Ukraine to use its donated weapons freely.

Crossing the most important red line

Frederiksen stated, “The most important red line has been crossed already. And that was when the Russians entered Ukraine.”

She further said: “So I will not accept this premise, and I will never allow anyone from Russia to decide what is the right thing to do in NATO, in Europe or in Ukraine.”

Ukraine’s expanding offensive

Kyiv’s forces have ramped up their attacks inside Russia, notably seizing nearly 1,000 square kilometres in the Kursk region during a cross-border incursion last month. President Zelenskyy echoed Frederiksen’s sentiments, stating, “It is only fair to destroy Russian terrorists where they are, where they launch their strikes from.”

He urged allies to enable strikes on key strategic targets, such as air bases and arms depots deeper within Russian territory.

A war of attrition approaching 1,000 days

As the conflict nears 1,000 days since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, it has evolved into a war of attrition, with minimal territorial gains for either side. Zelenskyy is currently visiting the US to garner support for Ukraine and to outline his “victory plan.”