Denmark plans to send additional unarmed military teams to Ukraine to gain first-hand combat experience from the front lines amidst ongoing conflicts.
Training Initiatives for the Danish Military in Ukraine
The Danish Army is preparing to send more teams of unarmed soldiers to Ukraine, according to Army Chief Major General Peter Boysen in an interview with TV 2. These teams are being organized from various regiments in the Army and are part of a strategic initiative to equip Danish soldiers with combat techniques gleaned from Ukraine, particularly in regard to insights gained from three years of drone warfare at the front lines.
Currently, Varde Barracks is at the center of the army chief’s latest undertaking, focusing on rapidly training soldiers with new drone technology. “Speed is a mindset,” emphasizes Boysen, reiterating a motto frequently cited within his circles. He remarked on the unprecedented pace of the developments, stating, “In my 42 years in the military, I have never seen things move so fast.”
The Army Intelligence Regiment has recently acquired nearly 100 new combat drones, with additional hundreds on their way. General Boysen’s initiative to implement this training comes after two of his recent visits to Ukraine, where he witnessed the operational use of emerging combat techniques firsthand.
Training Camps and Experience Gaining
Boysen revealed plans to accelerate the training process by dispatching multiple teams of Danish soldiers to participate in camps in Ukraine. While the exact number of soldiers and training courses remains undecided, the General plans for both instructors and operational soldiers to undergo training lasting one to two weeks, starting as early as this summer.
“We will send a few teams down to observe, first-hand, what experiences the Ukrainians have had. Those who operate daily in the field—not just myself—will gain that experience,” he explained. It is noted that combat drones account for over 70% of the “kills” achieved by Ukrainian forces against Russian troops.
The Reaction from Russian Officials
The potential for a deeper Danish military commitment has drawn ire from Russian officials. Since Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine over three years ago, there has been considerable debate regarding the involvement of Western soldiers on the ground. Previous reports mentioned the presence of special forces and weapons instructors in Ukraine, with ongoing discussions amongst European NATO countries about contributing peacekeeping forces to any potential peace treaty.
General Boysen acknowledged the shift in perspective, stating, “Yes, I have been there several times. However, these soldiers are not going to engage actively in the war. They are going to gain experience at the invitation of my counterpart, the Ukrainian Army Chief.”
This shift has not gone unnoticed by the Russian Embassy in Denmark. In a formal comment, Ambassador Vladimir Barbin stated, “Sending Danish military personnel to Ukraine, including to study combat experiences, draws Denmark deeper into the conflict and provokes further uncontrolled escalation.”
Safety Measures for Danish Soldiers
Despite the escalating tension, General Boysen assured that the Danish soldiers would be unarmed and positioned away from the frontline, likely near a training facility in western Ukraine. “They will attend courses far from the front line, in places like Lviv in western Ukraine. Should a missile strike occur, the Ukrainians have effective warning systems and excellent shelters in place. I myself have spent time in one of them in Kyiv,” he added.
Although sending troops to a war-torn country raises safety concerns, Boysen expressed confidence that Danish soldiers would be keen on attending the training courses, reiterating, “I can’t imagine anything else but that they will want to partake. However, ultimately, they may receive orders to participate.”
Learning from Ukraine’s Combat Experience
General Boysen has conducted numerous meetings with Ukrainian military chiefs, who are eager to establish training programs tailored for Danish soldiers. The Army Chief believes that there is much to learn from the combat experience accrued by the Ukrainian forces. “It makes perfect sense for us to absorb their experiences to improve our combat readiness,” he stated.
He added that the Ukrainian defense is fully supportive of the plans and strongly wishes to share its knowledge while fostering closer cooperation with the Danish Armed Forces. This collaboration aligns well with Ukraine’s foreign policy strategy of drawing ever closer to the NATO alliance.
In conclusion, as Denmark aims to deepen its military ties with Ukraine, the country is navigating the complexities of international relations while ensuring the safety and efficacy of its troops, amidst a backdrop of ongoing conflict and geopolitical tension.
