In a recent debate, the proposal to send Danish training personnel to Ukraine to train Ukrainian soldiers has sparked a heated discussion in the political landscape. The proposal, put forward by the political party The Radical Left (De Radikale) with Christian Friis Bach at the helm, faces opposition from the Danish People’s Party (Dansk Folkeparti), which sees significant practical challenges with the plan.
Christian Friis Bach argues that such an effort would bring the training closer to the actual combat zones, which could provide logistical advantages and better utilization of Ukrainian-made equipment. “It is important that we consider this option, as Ukraine itself requests this type of support,” he explained during a debate Thursday evening.
On the other hand, Alex Ahrendtsen, defense spokesperson for the Danish People’s Party, sees major problems with the proposal. “We simply do not have enough personnel to maintain our own defense if we send officers to Ukraine,” Ahrendtsen said. He added that it would be irresponsible to weaken Denmark’s defense capacity at a time when security policy stability is more necessary than ever.
Flemming Splidsboel, senior researcher at the Danish Institute for International Studies, also pointed out that even though there may be logistical advantages, it increases the risk of having Danish military personnel so close to the conflict zone. Additionally, he warned that Russia’s reaction to such Danish involvement could be very negative and potentially perceived as a provocation. “Russia will likely present it as a direct aggression and an escalation of the conflict, which could have far-reaching consequences,” Splidsboel said. He emphasized the importance of being prepared for harsh Russian rhetoric, but also understanding that it is often driven by political motives both internally and on the international stage.
The debate continues in political Denmark, where a balance must be struck between supporting Ukraine and maintaining a robust national defense.