Copenhagen/Washington – Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has declared that Denmark is confronting a “decisive moment” in the escalating dispute with the United States over the future of Greenland, following renewed threats by U.S. President Donald Trump to seize the mineral-rich Arctic territory by force if necessary.
In statements made on Sunday, January 11, 2026, ahead of high-level meetings in Washington, D.C., on global competition for critical raw materials, Frederiksen emphasized that the conflict over Greenland carries implications far beyond the island's status. “This is a decisive moment,” she said during a debate with other Danish political leaders, highlighting stakes that extend to the broader integrity of international alliances and norms. In a subsequent social media post, Frederiksen affirmed Denmark's resolve: “We are ready to defend our values, wherever it is necessary – also in the Arctic. We believe in international law and in peoples’ right to self-determination.”
The remarks come in direct response to Trump's repeated assertions that U.S. control of Greenland is essential for national security, citing purported increased Russian and Chinese military activity in the Arctic. On Friday, January 9, Trump told reporters he would prefer to acquire the territory “the easy way” through negotiation but warned: “If we don’t do it the easy way, we’re going to do it the hard way.” He reiterated on Sunday aboard Air Force One: “We’re going to do something on Greenland, whether they like it or not,” framing the island as vital to prevent Russia or China from gaining influence. The White House has confirmed that all options, including military force, remain under consideration, though no immediate plans have been detailed.
Greenland, the world's largest island and a semi-autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark since gaining home rule in 1979 (with expanded autonomy in 2009), has long been strategically significant due to its location between North America and Europe. It hosts the U.S.-operated Pituffik Space Base (formerly Thule Air Base), established during the Cold War for missile warning and space surveillance. Trump has argued that full ownership is required for effective defense, rejecting lease arrangements as insufficient.
European leaders have swiftly voiced strong support for Denmark. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, speaking at the annual Folk och Försvar defense conference in Sälen, Sweden—attended by NATO's top U.S. general—condemned the U.S. “threatening rhetoric.” He stated: “Sweden, the Nordic countries, the Baltic states, and several major European countries stand together with our Danish friends.” Kristersson warned that a U.S. takeover would violate international law and set a dangerous precedent, potentially encouraging similar actions elsewhere. He urged the U.S. to thank Denmark for its longstanding loyalty as a NATO ally rather than issue threats.
Germany has also reiterated its backing for Denmark and Greenland. Ahead of Washington discussions, German officials emphasized that Arctic security is a shared NATO interest and that territorial sovereignty must be respected. German Finance Minister and Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil declared: “International law applies to everyone, including the United States,” while noting that decisions about Greenland's future rest solely with Denmark and Greenland.
Reports indicate that military leaders from several European nations, including the United Kingdom, are exploring contingency plans to bolster Arctic security amid rising tensions involving Russia and China. Discussions reportedly encompass potential NATO deployments of troops, warships, and aircraft to deter external threats and demonstrate collective resolve. UK officials described such talks as routine, given the increasingly contested nature of the Arctic region. Belgium’s defense minister has advocated for a dedicated NATO Arctic operation, suggesting existing monitoring missions could serve as models.
Trump's fixation on Greenland echoes his 2019 proposal to purchase the territory, which was met with ridicule and rejection at the time. The current escalation follows recent U.S. actions in Venezuela and heightened concerns over Arctic geopolitics, where melting ice is opening new shipping routes and access to resources. However, Nordic diplomats have dismissed claims of widespread Russian or Chinese naval presence near Greenland as unsupported by intelligence.
Public opinion in Greenland remains overwhelmingly opposed to U.S. control. A 2025 opinion poll commissioned by Danish newspaper Berlingske and conducted by Verian found that 85% of Greenlanders do not want their island to become part of the United States, with only 6% in favor and 9% undecided. Many Greenlanders prioritize eventual independence from Denmark, with polls showing majority support for full sovereignty, but view any external takeover—particularly by force—as unacceptable.
The crisis has raised profound questions about NATO's future, as an attack by one member on another would invoke Article 5 collective defense in reverse, potentially fracturing the alliance. Danish officials have warned that U.S. military action would mark “the end of NATO.” As Frederiksen prepares for Washington talks, the standoff underscores the delicate balance between national security imperatives, sovereignty, and the rules-based international order in an era of great-power competition.
With European solidarity growing and contingency discussions underway, the coming days could prove pivotal in determining whether diplomacy prevails or tensions escalate further in the Arctic.
