Denmark to Send Troops for Training in Ukraine Amid Russian Warnings

In a significant development in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Denmark has confirmed plans to send troops to the country for training purposes. The Danish commander in chief, Maj. Gen. Peter Boysen, stated that these unarmed soldiers will focus on learning drone warfare techniques from Ukrainian forces.

Troop Deployment Plans

According to Boysen, the troops will be stationed in Western Ukraine, a region relatively removed from the active front lines, though still vulnerable to long-range missile attacks from Russia. This initiative aims to provide Danish military personnel with on-the-ground experience in modern warfare strategies, particularly in the use of drones.

"We're sending some teams down to see what experiences the Ukrainians have had — first-hand," Boysen explained during an interview with state broadcaster TV 2. He emphasized that these troops would not engage in combat operations but would receive training over one to two weeks, starting as early as this summer. The exact number of soldiers to be deployed has yet to be determined.

Russia's Response

Russia has condemned Denmark's decision, with Vladimir Barbin, the Russian ambassador to Denmark, labeling it a provocation. Barbin asserted that the locations housing Danish personnel and military equipment would be considered "legitimate targets." He expressed concerns that this move could deepen Denmark's involvement in the Ukraine conflict.

Additionally, Russia has similarly described Western military assets in Ukraine as targets, including a facility linked to German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall. However, there have been no confirmed strikes on such targets as of now.

Training Focus on Drone Warfare

Denmark's initiative reflects a broader trend of Western nations studying Ukraine's innovative use of drones in combat, which has surpassed deployments seen in previous conflicts. Boysen noted that in his 42 years of military service, he has never witnessed such rapid advancements in drone technology and tactics. He reiterated the potential for Denmark's military to learn valuable lessons from Ukraine's combat experience.

The initiative originated from a direct invitation by Ukraine's commander in chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi. It highlights a growing recognition of Ukraine's expertise in drone warfare, with Ukrainian forces reportedly attributing over 70% of their combat success to drone strikes.

Future Implications of Warfare

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine is shaping perceptions of future warfare, particularly regarding the roles drones will play in conflicts involving Western nations. Experts agree that the lessons learned from Ukraine’s military engagements will inform strategies and tactics used in potential future confrontations.

Denmark, like many European countries, has already increased its defense spending in light of perceived threats from Russia, and it has become a leading donor of military aid to Ukraine. The Danish government has stressed the importance of ensuring that Ukraine has the necessary resources as the conflict evolves.

Troels Lund Poulsen, Denmark's defense minister, corroborated this sentiment earlier this year, stating, "We should be able to give Ukraine what they will need in the future."

This development further illustrates the interconnected nature of military collaboration among NATO allies in response to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, as they seek to bolster their defenses and learn from the challenges faced by Ukrainian forces.