Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has warned that Denmark faces a “decisive moment” over Greenland’s future, following renewed threats by US President Donald Trump to seize the Arctic territory by force.
Speaking ahead of meetings in Washington, D.C., on global competition for critical raw materials, Frederiksen said the situation represents an open conflict over Greenland, with implications extending well beyond the island itself.
“This is a decisive moment,” Frederiksen said during a debate with Danish political leaders, emphasizing that the stakes go beyond Greenland alone. In a social media post, she added that Denmark is “ready to defend our values, wherever it is necessary – also in the Arctic,” reaffirming support for international law and the right to self-determination.
Germany and Sweden have expressed strong backing for Denmark in response to Trump’s comments. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson condemned what he called “threatening rhetoric from Washington” after Trump said the US would “do something on Greenland, whether they like it or not.” He stressed that a US takeover of the mineral-rich island would violate international law and set a dangerous precedent.
German officials also voiced support for Denmark and Greenland, highlighting Arctic security as a growing strategic concern for NATO. Meanwhile, reports indicate that European military leaders, including from the UK and Belgium, are exploring contingency plans for a NATO presence in Greenland, including the possible deployment of troops, warships, and aircraft to safeguard the territory amid rising tensions involving Russia and China.
Trump has repeatedly argued that US control of Greenland is crucial for American national security due to increased Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic.
Greenland, formerly a Danish colony until 1953, now enjoys home rule and growing autonomy. While some leaders support eventual independence, polls show that the population overwhelmingly opposes any US takeover.
0 Comments