'Denmark will fight back if it comes under attack'

Denmark has pledged to respond decisively if any foreign power, including the United States, attempts to intervene in Greenland. The Danish Ministry of Defence said troops would operate under a “shoot first, ask questions later” policy, in place since 1952.

The warning follows repeated US interest in Greenland by President Donald Trump, who suggested military force could be used if necessary to secure the NATO territory. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt noted that military options fall within Trump’s authority to protect US Arctic interests.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he will meet officials from Denmark and Greenland next week, emphasizing that Trump’s focus is primarily on “buying” Greenland rather than pursuing a military takeover. Denmark has welcomed dialogue.

Vice President J.D. Vance claimed Denmark has failed to safeguard Greenland’s security and signaled US readiness to act militarily if required. European and Danish leaders, however, stressed that Greenland is not for sale and its territorial integrity must be respected.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that any US military action would severely damage NATO and the post-World War II European security framework. Trump argues that controlling Greenland is key to countering growing Chinese and Russian influence in the Arctic.