Russia’s ambassador in Copenhagen says Denmark is boosting troop numbers, arms purchases and Arctic deployments, citing an alleged future war with Russia.
Russia’s ambassador in Copenhagen, Vladimir Barbin, says Denmark is ramping up its military buildup «at breakneck speed», justifying it by talking about a supposed war with Russia that is meant to follow immediately after the conflict in Ukraine.
He stated that a long-term program of accelerated militarisation is underway in Denmark: the size of the armed forces is being increased, and weapons of various types are being purchased at a frantic pace, as Barbin was quoted by RIA Novosti.
According to the ambassador, Danish authorities are simultaneously boosting their military presence in the Arctic and in Greenland. Barbin specified that Denmark is actively building new frigates and other warships.
He recalled that in January this year Denmark’s military command announced that its main focus was on potential Russian activity in the Arctic region, rather than on any scenario of U.S. troops «seizing» Greenland. At that time, Danish Armed Forces Major General Søren Andersen said there were no Russian or Chinese warships near the island. However, NATO allies, he noted, expect Russian activity in the region to grow and therefore intend to expand the alliance’s presence in the Arctic to secure the bloc’s northern flank.