World

Denmark says its military will deploy battalion in Latvia

FILE PHOTO: Denmark's Minister for Green Tripartite, Jeppe Bruus, and members of the coalition present a political agreement on the so-called green tripartite deal at the ministry in Copenhagen, Denmark, November 18, 2024. Ritzau Scanpix/Ida Marie Odgaard via REUTERS/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Denmark's Minister for Green Tripartite, Jeppe Bruus, and members of the coalition present a political agreement on the so-called green tripartite deal at the ministry in Copenhagen, Denmark, November 18, 2024. Ritzau Scanpix/Ida Marie Odgaard via REUTERS/File Photo Reuters

COPENHAGEN - Denmark's military will deploy a battalion of 850 troops to NATO member Latvia in the autumn, taking over from a Swedish contingent that was stationed in the region, Danish Defence Minister Jeppe Bruus said on Wednesday.

"It's important that we play our part in deterring Russia. Everyone can see how the situation is unfolding, and it's obviously a serious matter," Bruus told reporters after giving a closed-door briefing to Danish parliamentarians.

Europe is assuming more responsibility for its own security amid criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently accused European NATO members of a lack of support in the Iran war and has announced a drawdown of troops from Germany.

(Reporting by Soren Jeppesen and Louise Rasmussen, editing by Terje Solsvik)

Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect.

This story was originally published June 17, 2026 at 4:05 AM.

Get one year of unlimited digital access for $159.99
#ReadLocal

Only 44¢ per day

SUBSCRIBE NOW