Danish soldiers train in Latvia amid ongoing threats from Russia

Danish soldiers are currently stationed in Latvia, forming part of a collaborative effort to deter Russian President Vladimir Putin from possibly attacking any of the Baltic states. In a forest less than 200 kilometers from the Russian border, Danish troops train alongside Latvian, Canadian, Italian, Spanish, and American soldiers, practicing diligently to ensure readiness for any potential defense missions in Latvia.

One soldier, Steven, a 21-year-old private on his first deployment, emphasized the mission’s significance. He and roughly 800 Danish soldiers were deployed to Camp Valdemar in August to participate in this multinational exercise. Steven expressed the necessity of maintaining a strong presence to discourage Russian aggression, stating, “We must show that we are here.”

Initially, Camp Valdemar was a tent camp for the first two groups of Danish soldiers, but it has since been upgraded with permanent structures offering improved living conditions. During their deployment, soldiers work around the clock, with Stevens noting the challenge of adjusting to this continuous duty.

For the platoon leader, known as Jens, this experience serves as a test of their preparedness. Jens is responsible for the soldiers’ training and well-being, especially if they are called upon to defend Latvia alongside NATO allies. She stresses that the soldiers must be ready, particularly given the proximity to the Russian border, which necessitates heightened caution and resource management.

While Danish soldiers are set to remain in Latvia for four months, experts predict that NATO forces will continue to be a fixture in the region for years to come, in light of Russia’s ongoing threat following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Both Jens and Steven expect to be back in Latvia, reaffirming Denmark’s commitment to NATO’s collective defense efforts.