The Danish armed forces train Ukrainian EOD specialists

By the Danish Defence Command

We meet one of the Danish instructors on a cold winter day, where the rain falls as sleet, and everyone huddles against the chill. This includes both the Danish instructors, their Nordic colleagues, and, most importantly, the Ukrainian trainees who, during a break from the frontlines, have traveled to the Baltics to receive EOD training.

The training takes place at a location in Lithuania, where Ukrainian soldiers receive basic instruction in detecting and handling mines and unexploded ordnance.

"I believe this task makes a lot of sense—both for us and for the Ukrainians. We can see that they are very receptive to what we teach them and are improving," says one of the Danish instructors at the EOD training course in Lithuania.

A Broad Nordic and Baltic Coalition

The Danish instructors are part of the international demining coalition NLETI, which includes contributions from several Nordic countries as well as Lithuania, providing instructors and specialists. The collaboration between these countries aims to build a robust EOD capacity within the Ukrainian armed forces. This effort involves donations of equipment, financial support, and, crucially, the training and education that the Danish forces are helping to deliver.

"I have immense respect for the Ukrainian soldiers I meet here. Some of the trainees have only been soldiers for a short time, and now they are here to learn more because they want to make a difference, win the war, and help clean up once the war is over," says the Danish instructor.

After completing their training, the Ukrainian EOD specialists will return home to Ukraine to fight against the Russian invasion forces. Their responsibilities will include handling mines and tripwires at the frontlines, as well as clearing unexploded ordnance in the rear areas.

Strong Support for Ukraine

The effort to build Ukraine’s EOD capacity is just one of many training initiatives that Denmark has supported since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine three years ago. Since 2022, Denmark has participated in the UK's large-scale training mission, Operation Interflex, which has trained tens of thousands of Ukrainian recruits to become soldiers.

Denmark and the Danish Armed Forces have also trained Ukrainian pilots, tank crews, and artillery personnel and have donated equipment throughout the war.

"From the very beginning of the war, Denmark has demonstrated unwavering support for Ukraine's defense. On the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, I want to emphasize that we will continue to support the Ukrainians for as long as necessary. We are among the countries that, relative to our size, have donated the most weapons and equipment to Ukraine, and I am proud of the efforts Danish soldiers have made in training and educating Ukrainians—helping to prepare them as best as possible in the fight against Russia," says Minister of Defence Troels Lund Poulsen.

Even before the full-scale war broke out in 2022, the Danish Armed Forces were supporting Ukraine. Denmark has been involved in training activities in Ukraine since 2015, including under the Canadian-led Operation Unifier and the British-led Operation Orbital, where Ukrainian soldiers were trained in basic military skills and operational planning.

Denmark’s Military Support Makes a Difference

Danish and Western military donations have made a tangible impact and have been significant in Ukraine’s struggle for freedom.

Denmark’s donation of Harpoon coastal defense missile systems to Ukraine in the spring of 2022 is an example of a contribution that has had a considerable effect on the war’s dynamics.

As the first country to do so, Denmark donated F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, strengthening the country’s air defense capabilities. Additionally, through the so-called "Danish Model," Denmark has taken the lead in procuring weapons and military equipment directly from the Ukrainian defense industry.

To date, Denmark has committed to providing over 50 billion DKK in military support to Ukraine.