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Denmark to start conscripting women for military service

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Denmark has announced significant reforms to its military, including extending conscription to women for the first time and increasing the standard service duration. This decision is part of a plan to bolster its defense capabilities and align with NATO targets amid heightened tensions in Europe following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen emphasized that the aim of these reforms is not to seek conflict but to prevent it. The government intends to achieve gender equality in the armed forces, with Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen stressing that more inclusive conscription will address defense challenges and contribute to national mobilization.

Denmark will become the third European nation, after Norway and Sweden, to mandate women’s conscription starting from 2026, alongside extending service duration for both genders from four to 11 months. These changes aim to increase the number of individuals serving in the military annually from 4,700 to 5,000, with approximately 25% being women.

With a current armed forces strength of around 20,000 personnel, Denmark, with a population of nearly six million, plans to raise its military spending from 1.4% to 2% of GDP to meet NATO’s requirements. Lawmakers have taken measures such as abolishing a public holiday to redirect funds towards defense spending.

Denmark has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine, providing advanced weapons, financial aid, and training to Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets. Additionally, Finland and Sweden have recently joined NATO as the alliance strengthens its defenses in Europe amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

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Ukraine’s Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov Fired

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Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced the removal of Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov from his position. Reznikov had been in charge of the defense ministry since before Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. President Zelensky cited the need for “new approaches” in the defense ministry and nominated Rustem Umerov, head of Ukraine’s State Property Fund, as Reznikov’s successor.

Reznikov, who had developed strong relationships with senior politicians in London, is rumored to become Ukraine’s new ambassador to the United Kingdom. While he was internationally recognized for his role in lobbying for additional military equipment, his dismissal had been anticipated, with Reznikov himself exploring other positions within the Ukrainian government.

The cabinet reshuffle is not expected to bring significant changes to Ukraine’s battlefield strategy, as General Valery Zaluzhny continues to oversee the campaign as the commander of Ukraine’s armed forces. Reznikov’s dismissal is part of a broader anti-corruption effort in President Zelensky’s administration, as Ukraine aims to address corruption issues to join Western institutions like the EU.

Although Reznikov himself is not personally accused of corruption, the Ministry of Defense had faced scandals related to the procurement of goods and equipment for the army at inflated prices. Earlier this year, Reznikov’s deputy resigned amidst such allegations.

In addition to the anti-corruption drive, Ukraine is engaged in a slow and bloody counter-offensive with advanced weapons received from Western allies. Ukrainian forces have reported breaking through key Russian defenses in the south of the country, while Russia has reported attempted drone attacks on its territory and launched an attack on the Izmail port, one of Ukraine’s major grain-exporting ports on the Danube River.

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Kim Jong Un displays missiles to Russian defense chief Shoigu in North Korea

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On Wednesday, Kim Jong Un showcased North Korea’s latest weaponry to Russia’s Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu during a visit to Pyongyang. The Russian delegation, along with Chinese officials, was invited to attend the 70th-anniversary celebrations of the Korean War armistice, which typically includes massive military parades.

Among the weapons displayed was the Hwasong intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), which was successfully tested in April. It is believed to be North Korea’s first ICBM using solid propellants, making it quicker to launch than liquid-fueled ones. Additionally, two new drone designs were shown, with one resembling a primary offensive strike drone used by the US Air Force, according to NK News.

During the visit, discussions between Kim Jong Un and Sergei Shoigu covered matters of mutual concern in the fields of national defense and international security.

This marks the first time Kim Jong Un has welcomed foreign guests since the Covid pandemic began, indicating a possible loosening of Covid restrictions in North Korea. The visit by Chinese and Russian envoys to the Victory Day parade suggests a potential reconnection of diplomatic ties after the country had sealed itself off from trade and diplomatic interactions in early 2020, even with its main economic and political partners, Russia, and China.

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