Denmark was ready to fight US for Greenland, troops received orders – Media
Illustrative photo: Danish troops were ready to fight for Greenland (Getty Images)
Danish Armed Forces soldiers sent to Greenland have been ordered to be ready to engage in combat with US troops in the event of American aggression against the island, DR reports.
"The Armed Forces must strengthen their ability to implement the Greenland defense plan as quickly as possible," the outlet cited an order received by Danish troops.
Last week, it became known that military and civilian aircraft were systematically transporting troops, weapons, and military cargo to Greenland. The Danish government had the political will to engage in combat in the event of a US attack, with opposition parties fully supporting the decision.
However, Copenhagen did not consider an American attack likely despite the aggressive rhetoric of US President Donald Trump. Nevertheless, Denmark continued to concentrate forces in Greenland under the cover of the Arctic Endurance exercises.
The operation to conduct the exercises had been planned for some time, but recent developments around Greenland significantly accelerated its implementation. The Danish army was tasked with "strengthening its presence and level of activity in Greenland to demonstrate readiness and capability to defend the Kingdom’s sovereignty and territorial integrity."
The orders received by Danish troops envisaged the activation of the Greenland defense plan in the event of an attack on the island. In addition, Danish forces in Greenland received ammunition, indicating their readiness to engage in combat immediately if necessary.
The Danish Ministry of Defense declined to comment on the content of the orders but confirmed that there are "significant forces" on the island and that the Arctic Endurance exercises will continue until the end of 2026.
Greenland and Trump
Against the backdrop of a successful operation in Venezuela, US President Donald Trump stated that control over Greenland is an "absolute necessity" for US national security. He claimed that the island is allegedly "surrounded" by Russian and Chinese fleets, and that Denmark, in his view, is supposedly "unable" to provide adequate protection.
Initially, Trump did not rule out the use of military force to take control of the island. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller also stated that Greenland should become part of the United States within the framework of the national security system — and likewise did not dismiss the possibility of a military takeover of the island to achieve this goal.
As a result, a small but symbolic contingent of NATO allied forces was deployed to the island. Following this, Trump reportedly threw a tantrum and announced tariffs against countries that supported Denmark.
The US, through Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, once again stated that Greenland should be part of the United States and also warned Europe against increasing its military presence on the island. However, his statements were ignored. It even reached the point where Trump’s own party members were prepared to legally forbid him from even looking in the direction of Greenland.
Nevertheless, the issue was eventually resolved peacefully. On January 21, after meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Davos, Trump announced the formation of a framework for a future agreement on Greenland. Media reports stated that the framework agreement includes the principle of respecting Denmark’s sovereignty over the island, and that the 1951 Danish-American defense agreement will be updated.
