A recent poll showcases that 62% of Danes support contributing to a European peacekeeping force in Ukraine following a ceasefire agreement, reflecting a significant shift in public sentiment regarding military involvement.
Public Support for Peacekeeping in Ukraine
A new poll conducted by Verian for Berlingske reveals that a majority of Danes, 62%, are in favor of Denmark participating in a potential European peacekeeping mission in Ukraine, contingent upon a ceasefire agreement in the ongoing conflict. The poll indicates that only 11% oppose such involvement, while 27% remain uncertain.
Context of Public Sentiment
Political analyst Ask Rostrup from TV 2 commented on the findings, noting that such strong support for peacekeeping efforts in Ukraine is not surprising considering Denmark’s historical approach to foreign and security policy. Explaining that the Danish public has consistently shown a willingness to contribute maximally to international peacekeeping, he stated: “During the Balkan wars, the Danes were also prepared to do their utmost to help, and we saw the same with the USA and Iraq. They will send soldiers around the world to do the right thing.” This perspective underscores a longstanding tradition within Denmark of embracing an activist foreign policy, striving to intervene in global crises.
Government’s Stance and Public Reaction
The potential for Danish troops in Ukraine has gained traction since Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen expressed an “open mind” at a recent summit in London regarding Denmark’s possible military role. This comes at a time when European leaders are convening to discuss how Europe can take greater responsibility for its own security, particularly in light of waning support from the United States.
Back in February, the Danish government had initially deemed it premature to contemplate sending troops, citing the need for clarity on numerous factors before making such commitments. “There are a lot of issues to address before we reach that point,” Frederiksen mentioned at the time. However, the current poll results and the sentiment expressed in the media suggest a shift in the government’s posture as public support rises.
Legislative Support for Peacekeeping Efforts
In the Danish Parliament, support for aiding in peacekeeping operations has also been robust, crossing party lines, even among former skeptics like the Red-Green Alliance. This significant backing reflects a growing consensus on the responsibility to aid Ukraine in safeguarding its sovereignty post-conflict, particularly as U.S. support appears to be fluctuating. Recently, the U.S. has curbed intelligence sharing with Ukraine, and remarks from U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have indicated reluctance to send troops, marking a shift in U.S. policy that could affect global dynamics.
Implications for International Relations
Phillip Kjær Luscombe, a director at the lobbying firm Rasmussen Global, emphasizes that while the support for sending troops is notable, it is important to distinguish between military aid and troop deployment. There is a significant difference between providing military support and sending Danish soldiers to Ukraine, as the risks involved are not the same, he remarked. Both commentators, Luscombe and Rostrup, view the public’s approval as a “boost” for the Danish government in navigating this complex situation, indicating that Mette Frederiksen now enjoys a solid backing from both the political landscape and the populace to make potentially controversial decisions.
The Need for Clarity in Commitment
Despite the poll’s findings, Rostrup warns against taking the public’s enthusiasm at face value. “The situation surrounding a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine is not imminent, and therefore, the Danish public may not fully understand the implications of their support for sending troops,” he stated. This hesitancy highlights the complexity of international military involvement, where the realities on the ground can shift dramatically, influencing public opinion and governmental policies.
European Security Dynamics
The conversation around European peacekeeping missions comes at a critical juncture, as leaders contemplate strategies for maintaining regional security amid changing dynamics involving major powers, particularly the U.S. Phillip Kjær Luscombe posits that discussions about European peacekeeping forces aim to entice the U.S. into supporting international security guarantees that would deter Russian President Vladimir Putin from further aggression. “Without a European initiative for security guarantees that could prevent Putin from attacking, we will never see the U.S. fully on board,” he argued.
In essence, the marked shift in public opinion regarding potential military involvement in Ukraine signifies an evolving perspective within Denmark and highlights the interconnections between national sentiment, foreign policy, and broader European security frameworks. As Denmark weighs its options in potentially joining a European peacekeeping mission, the government must navigate not only internal support but also the complexities of international diplomacy and the changing landscape of military alliances in Europe.
