Denmark is committed to sending approximately 800 of its troops to Latvia to enhance NATO defence against any potential Russian aggression in this region, as confirmed after a meeting between Latvian PM Krišjānis Kariņš and his Danish counterpart Mette Frederiksen on Thursday, 31 March.
Kariņš said he hopes this decision will help strengthen relations between the two countries.
According to Latvia’s PM, these Danish forces could be the single largest NATO unit to be deployed in Latvia so far.
«This decision is very, very important, because every reinforcement clearly demonstrates to the entire world, and, of course, Vladimir Putin’s Russia, that NATO is unified not only in words but actions as well, and that we are working hard to strengthen one another,» said Kariņš.
Frederiksen mentioned that Denmark is committed to ensuring stability and security in the Baltic Sea region, adding that the country feels special responsibility, considering Denmark is part of this region. She stressed that Denmark had an immediate reaction to NATO’s invitation to respond to Russia’s attack on Ukraine and was immediately prepared to send reinforcements to the eastern flank.
«We are fully prepared to guarantee NATO’s joint security,» said the Danish PM.
She did not provide detailed information about the deployment of troops, explaining that it is necessary to officially pass this decision in the Danish parliament and discuss it with NATO partners.
Previously Frederiksen publicly said Denmark has proposed sending several hundred troops to Baltic States if NATO requested it.
Kariņš said both officials agree that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s attack on peaceful Ukraine should be condemned in the strictest way possible.
Kariņš stressed this is inexcusable – Russia’s attack is barbaric, brutal and criminal, and should be stopped.
«Our support for Ukraine is strong. We have supported and will continue supporting Ukraine in different ways – military, humanitarian and with all forms of material support. Ukrainians are currently fighting our fight to defend democracy, freedom and rule of law. Ukrainians want the same thing we have here in Latvia and Denmark. These are fundamental rights: freedom, democracy and rule of law,» said Latvian PM during a press-conference.
The prime minister mentioned that Ukraine’s fight is a reminder to all others just how important it is to talk about these issues and be prepared to defend them, which is what is happening in Ukraine now.
Kariņš affirmed that he and his Danish colleague agree that Putin’s Russia needs to be isolated economically. It is important to make sure Putin loses in Ukraine, so he should be stopped in a military way as well, which is done by Ukrainian troops with assistance of other countries’ military.
Additionally, the PM said Putin’s ability to maintain this war should be taken away so he cannot continue his aggression against democracy.
«We agree the sanctions for Russia will not be lifted easily until there is certainty of Putin’s loss and Ukraine’s victory. As NATO partners we enhance ourselves individually. Latvia has decided to increase its defence budget to 2.5% of GDP by the year 2025. It is very important for the alliance to strengthen its eastern flank – from the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea,» said Kariņš.
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