Denmark to send 850-soldier battalion to Latvia, defence minister says

Denmark’s armed forces will send an 850-soldier battalion to Latvia, a NATO ally, this autumn, replacing a Swedish unit that had previously been deployed in the region, Danish Defence Minister Jeppe Bruus has stated.

He stressed the importance of contributing to deterrence against Russia, telling reporters after a closed, confidential briefing for Danish lawmakers that “It’s important that we play our part in deterring Russia. Everyone can see how the situation is unfolding, and it's obviously a serious matter,” Caliber.Az reports, citing Reuters.

The move comes as European countries take on greater responsibility for their own defense, in response to criticism from US President Donald Trump, who has recently accused European NATO members of insufficient support during the Iran conflict and has also announced plans to reduce the US military presence in Germany.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov