Denmark already accelerating defence build-up amid Russian threat

Denmark is already undertaking a “massive” acceleration of its defence capabilities in response to Russia’s military build-up along Nordic and Baltic borders, Defence Minister Jeppe Bruus told DR.

Satellite imagery obtained by DR earlier Wednesday showed Russia expanding military bases and reinforcing combat units near its borders with the region. Intelligence sources cited in DR’s documentary Krigsplan Europa warned that Russia could be capable of launching an attack within a short timeframe, with the next one to three years posing the “absolute highest risk” of a new military confrontation between Russia and NATO in Europe.

“It’s no secret that the Russians will soon be capable of attacking a NATO or European country,” Bruus said, noting that hybrid warfare is already underway. “The threat level is of course higher than it has been before. That’s why we are ramping up quickly in Denmark.”

The minister declined to say whether he shared Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen’s stated concern over Russia’s build-up but emphasised the need for seriousness. “We must take this situation very seriously, and we are. That’s why we’ve made political decisions to invest massively in our defence,” Bruus said.

Denmark has already allocated a “large three-digit billion” amount to defence, he added. When asked if Denmark and the Baltics could currently counter a Russian threat, Bruus pointed to NATO’s collective security role while stressing the need for Europe to increase its own capabilities.

“Within NATO’s framework, we should be able to ensure our own security by 2030 at the latest,” he said. “Overall, we stand strong in Europe, but we must stand even stronger, and that work is underway.”

Russia’s ambassador to Denmark, Vladimir Barbin, told DR that NATO countries are the ones threatening Russia and denied claims that Moscow plans to attack NATO members in the near future.