Denmark to deploy battalion in Latvia

PHOTO CAPTION: Illustrative file photo — A Danish service member is seen during a joint training exercise, Oct. 5, 2021. (NATO photo via Flickr)

COPENHAGEN  -  Denmark's military will deploy a battalion of 850 troops to NATO member Latvia in the autumn, taking over from a Swedish contingent that was stationed in the region, Danish Defence Minister Jeppe Bruus said on Wednesday.

"It's important that we play our part in deterring Russia. Everyone can see how the situation is unfolding, and it's obviously a serious matter," Bruus told reporters after giving a closed-door briefing to Danish parliamentarians.

Europe is assuming more responsibility for its own security amid criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently accused European NATO members of a lack of support in the Iran war and has announced a drawdown of troops from Germany.

 (Reporting by Soren Jeppesen and Louise Rasmussen, editing by Terje Solsvik // REUTERS)