Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen issued an unprecedented warning on Monday that any attempt by the United States to take control of Greenland would result in the end of the Atlantic Alliance. A statement loaded with meaning, in an international context already tense after the American military operation in Venezuela and the arrest of its president.
Speaking on the public channel TV2, the head of the Danish government reacted to new statements from American President Donald Trump, who reaffirmed on Sunday his intention to place Greenland under direct control of Washington.
“If the United States chooses to militarily attack another NATO member country, then everything stops. This includes NATO itself and the collective security provided since the end of World War II,” Frederiksen said.
Greenland, Danish red line
An autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark, Greenland is de facto integrated into the NATO perimeter. Recent events in Venezuela — where US forces captured President Nicolas Maduro and his wife — have reignited concerns in both Copenhagen and Nuuk.
Donald Trump, who has never ruled out the use of force, has indicated that he wants to “talk about Greenland in 20 days”. Last month, he named Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, an outspoken supporter of annexation, as special envoy for the Arctic island.
The controversy further swelled after the publication, on the X network, of an image of Greenland in the colors of the American flag by Katie Miller, wife of deputy chief of staff of the White House Stephen Miller. The message, accompanied by the single word “SOON”, was deemed “disrespectful” by the Greenlandic authorities.
Between strategic security and mining resources
Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen condemned the gesture, while calling for calm. “Our country is not for sale and its future is not decided on social networks,” he said, ensuring that no imminent takeover was on the agenda.
Greenland occupies a major strategic position between Europe and North America, notably housing key installations of the American anti-missile defense system. Its mining resources, essential for the energy transition, are also arousing the interest of Washington, keen to reduce its dependence on China.
“Greenland is covered with Russian and Chinese ships,” said Donald Trump, believing that “Denmark is not able to ensure its security alone.”
Faced with this verbal escalation, Jens-Frederik Nielsen wanted to reassure: “The United States cannot simply conquer Greenland. We favor cooperation and respect for international law. »
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