Denmark plans defense spending increase amid Russian threats

Ed Arnold, a Senior Research Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, warned that European and British forces must deter Russia to avoid being seen as ineffective if deployed in Ukraine. He noted that the British Army could struggle with troop commitments, highlighting that fulfilling even a minimal requirement could involve 15,000 troops, which is 20% of the Army. Concurrently, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov emphasized that NATO's expansion poses a direct threat to Russia, urging for the cessation of actions by the Kyiv regime that he claims aim to eliminate Russian influence. Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen echoed concerns about Russia's potential to extend its invasion beyond Ukraine, advocating for increased defense spending across Europe. Additionally, Denmark plans to raise its defense budget significantly by 2025, aligning with NATO's calls for member states to bolster their military capabilities in light of Russian aggressions. The situation underscores a broader European anxiety over security and military preparedness amidst ongoing tensions with Russia.