Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said Europe faces its biggest security challenge since the end of World War II, with the war in Ukraine a key factor in escalating tensions.

“I think the situation is very serious. The war in Ukraine is extremely critical. When I look at the picture of Europe today, I think we are in the most difficult and dangerous time since World War II – not since the Cold War,” he said.

Responding to a question about drone intrusions into European airspace, Frederiksen noted that she is generally in favor of shooting them down, but stressed that “it has to be done the right way.”

Speaking to reporters on her arrival at the Copenhagen summit venue, the Danish prime minister said the leaders’ main task is to “discuss security and deterrence issues, including drones, and help Ukraine” while discussing migration.

He also backed the European Commission’s proposal for a compensation loan for Ukraine, which would be secured by frozen Russian assets.

“I hope everyone now recognizes that there is a hybrid war, and one day it’s Poland, the next day it’s Denmark, and next week it will probably be somewhere else where we’ll see sabotage or we’ll see drones flying,” he added.