Denmark prepared to deploy troops to Ukraine amid European peacekeeping mission

Denmark has affirmed its readiness to send troops to support a European peacekeeping mission in Ukraine, the country’s Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said.

The minister confirmed that, should the conditions between Russia and Ukraine evolve favorably, Denmark would be prepared to assist, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

Rasmussen stated, “If the right moment comes when a European presence is needed for a ceasefire or peace agreement, then Denmark is basically prepared.”

He further emphasized, “It is important that we in Europe send the right signals to both Putin and Washington, we are doing just that.”

His remarks followed a meeting with Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen and the foreign affairs committee in the Danish parliament, where broad political support for the decision was expressed, including backing from opposition parties.

Addressing concerns regarding the potential impact on Denmark’s forces already stationed in Latvia as part of a NATO mission, Defence Minister Poulsen assured that the existing contingent “will not be affected.” He added, “There are many different options,” although he refrained from elaborating on the specifics.

In a separate but related development, the Danish government announced plans to increase the penalties for violating EU sanctions against Russia.

The government is moving to raise the maximum prison sentence for breaching these sanctions from four months to five years, with more severe penalties for aggravating circumstances. The new bill, which has been submitted to Parliament, includes provisions for sentences of up to eight years for offenses related to the arms embargo.

Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard commented, “It is completely unacceptable when Danish companies decide to violate EU sanctions, for example against Russia and Belarus, in order to make extra profits. We on the government side want to take tough measures against them.

Therefore, we are now proposing a bill that significantly increases the penalties for violating EU sanctions, for example, and by proposing it we are actually going much further than the EU's minimum rules in this area. On the Danish side, we have to send a clear signal that we support the effective application of EU sanctions.” 

By Vafa Guliyeva