Russia warns Danish troops in Ukraine will become legitimate targets.
| Published April 19, 2025
Denmark has announced plans to dispatch unarmed military personnel to Ukraine this summer to gain firsthand experience in drone warfare, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from Russia.
Major General Peter Boysen, Chief of the Danish Army, stated that the troops will participate in short-term training courses in western Ukraine, far from active combat zones. The initiative aims to allow Danish forces to learn from Ukraine’s extensive use of drones in its ongoing conflict with Russia. Boysen emphasized that the soldiers will not engage in combat but will focus on understanding the tactical applications of drone technology.
Russia responded swiftly, with Ambassador Vladimir Barbin labeling the deployment a “provocation.” He warned that all military-related facilities in Ukraine, including training centers, are considered legitimate targets by Russia, regardless of their distance from the front lines.
Denmark’s decision aligns with its broader support for Ukraine, which includes a recent pledge of $142 million to enhance Ukraine’s drone and missile production capabilities. Additionally, Denmark has been involved in training Ukrainian EOD specialists and pilots, further solidifying its commitment to Ukraine’s defense efforts.
As drone warfare becomes increasingly pivotal in modern conflicts, Denmark’s initiative reflects a strategic effort to adapt to evolving military technologies. However, the move also underscores the escalating tensions between NATO members and Russia, raising concerns about potential repercussions.
Here are the key implications of Denmark’s decision to send military drone operators to Ukraine for training:
1. NATO’s Growing Involvement
While Denmark says its troops will not engage in combat, their physical presence in Ukraine—even for training—marks a deeper NATO footprint in the region. This could be seen by Russia as an escalation or indirect participation in the conflict, risking further strain in NATO-Russia relations.
2. Russia’s Threats Could Lead to Retaliation
Russia has already stated that any military-related facility in Ukraine is a “legitimate target.” If it follows through on that threat, it could put Danish personnel in danger, even if they are stationed far from the front lines. This raises the stakes for a potential international incident.
3. Shift in Military Strategy: Learning from Ukraine
Ukraine has become a proving ground for drone warfare. By sending operators to learn directly from Ukrainian forces, Denmark acknowledges the effectiveness of these tactics and signals a shift in how Western militaries may approach future warfare—leaning more heavily into unmanned systems and asymmetric strategies.
4. Drone Warfare as the New Normal
Denmark’s move also highlights how drone warfare is not just a temporary wartime trend but is becoming central to modern military operations. Expect NATO countries to follow suit by integrating more drone training and production into their defense strategies.
5. Domestic and Political Backlash Potential
At home, Denmark’s decision may face scrutiny from citizens or political factions concerned about becoming too entangled in the war. It could also test public support for Denmark’s ongoing military and financial aid to Ukraine.
6. Precedent for Other NATO Nations
If Denmark’s initiative proves successful, it could open the door for other NATO countries to send personnel to Ukraine under similar non-combat arrangements. This might blur the lines between support and direct involvement, which could be provocative in the eyes of adversaries.
Overall Takeaway:
Denmark’s decision to send military drone operators to Ukraine marks a significant step in Western military support—one that goes beyond weapons and money, toward firsthand involvement in modern warfare tactics. While the mission is framed as non-combat training, it raises the geopolitical temperature by putting NATO boots on Ukrainian soil, a move Russia is already labeling as provocative.
This signals that drone warfare is not just a Ukrainian adaptation but a new standard NATO nations are preparing for. At the same time, it risks expanding the scope of the conflict and further entangling Western nations in the war’s consequences.
In short: Denmark is betting on innovation and readiness—but playing with geopolitical fire.
SOURCES: THE GATEWAY PUNDIT – Denmark Plans To Send Military Drone Operators for ‘Training’ in Ukraine – Russia Warns That These Troops Will Become Legitimate Targets
THE ECONOMIC TIMES – NATO country Denmark to send troops to Ukraine for war lessons, Russia promises no immunity, calling them legitimate targets
THE KYIV INDEPENDENT – Denmark to send unarmed soldiers to Ukraine for drone warfare training
THE KYIV POST – Danish Troops Sent to Ukraine for ‘Drone’ Training ‘Legitimate Targets’ – Kremlin
BUSINESS INSIDER – A NATO country will send troops to Ukraine to learn from the war. Russia said they will be legitimate targets.
Be the first to comment