Denmark to Deploy 850 Soldiers to Latvia

Denmark will deploy a battalion of approximately 850 soldiers to Latvia this autumn to replace the Swedish contingent currently stationed in the Baltic country, strengthening its presence on NATO's eastern flank.

Defense Minister Jeppe Bruus said after talks with lawmakers that the deployment aims to contribute to deterring Russia. He described the security situation as serious and said allies must shoulder their share of the responsibility.

The decision comes as European countries take on a greater role in ensuring their own defense, a shift linked in part to US President Donald Trump's criticism of European NATO members and his announced reduction of US troop numbers in Germany.

(Reuters, bak)