Danish Prime Minister displays receptiveness towards military involvement in Ukraine, seeks backing from the United States.
War in Ukraine: Denmark's Role in a Potential Peacekeeping Mission
Catchy commentJust how involved could Denmark be in resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine? Let's delve into the latest developments.
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has expressed an openness to deploying Danish troops as part of a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine, subsequent to emergency talks in Paris concerning the US policy shift on the Russian invasion.
According to Frederiksen, while Denmark is keen to explore diverse options for collaboration, several critical questions require answers. Notably, whether the US will back up their European allies in such a mission.
Frederiksen's remarks came after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hinted at sending British soldiers to Ukraine as part of a peacekeeping force, should the circumstances permit it.
One primary concern for Frederiksen is ensuring the safety of deployed Danish soldiers. She stresses that the involvement of the US and a demonstration of their commitment are essential for any potential peacekeeping mission.
The war in Ukraine, as Frederiksen sees it, is about Russia's aspirations to expand its influence. She warns against going for a quick ceasefire that could provide Russia the chance to re-group, potentially threatening other European nations.
The urgent meeting in Paris was convened to address US President Donald Trump's abrupt policy shift regarding the Ukrainian conflict. European leaders, including Germany, France, Italy, Poland, Spain, the Netherlands, and Denmark, along with heads from the European Council, European Commission, and NATO, gathered for the discussions.
Trump's move last week sidelined Kyiv and its European backers, as he initiated negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin for a possible ending to the nearly three-year conflict. The US has since reached out to European nations, seeking their response regarding potential soldier deployment as part of a peacekeeping force.
While Frederiksen believes European countries should hold back before committing, she advocates for US participation. She emphasized that Starmer shares her sentiments, and any prospective deployment should involve US participation on the ground.
In addition, Denmark should continue supplying Ukraine with the necessary military aid to help them navigate peace negotiations effectively, according to Frederiksen. However, she questions whether the Russians genuinely desire peace, given the lack of indications in that direction.
In the coming days, Denmark plans to present a military buildup fund, as stated by Frederiksen following the Paris meeting. Reports suggest the fund could amount to 50 billion kroner.
The most crucial message emerging from this meeting, according to Frederiksen, is the need to fortify defenses not only in Denmark but also across Europe.
Additional Insights
- A training mission involving Danish soldiers learning drone warfare tactics from Ukrainian forces is planned for summer 2025. However, this is a separate initiative not related to a peacekeeping mission.
- Recent reports suggest the Nordic and Baltic countries may conditionally agree to send peacekeeping troops to Ukraine, but specific terms for such a deployment have not been detailed.
- The Danish PM, Mette Frederiksen, agrees with Keir Starmer on the importance of having the US participate if a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine is to occur.
- It has been confirmed that Denmark is considering supplying military aid to Ukraine to aid in peace negotiations, and there are plans to present a military buildup fund.
- Apart from the potential peacekeeping mission, a training mission with Danish soldiers learning drone warfare tactics from Ukrainian forces is scheduled for summer 2025.
- In light of the war in Ukraine, Prime Minister Frederiksen advocates strengthening defenses not only in Denmark but also across Europe.
- The latest news on politics and war-and-conflicts includes discussions on the potential deployment of peacekeeping troops from Nordic and Baltic countries, such as Denmark, although specific terms for such a deployment have not been finalized.
