Copenhagen has begun deploying additional military assets to Greenland amid the escalating row with the US over the island, Danish broadcaster DR reported on Wednesday, citing sources.
Denmark has already sent in an advance command to the island, as US President Donald Trump has shown increasing intent on acquiring the territory by any means. In recent weeks, Trump has repeatedly stated Washington must take possession of Greenland for the sake of “national security,” hinting at potentially taking the island by force.
The advance command is set to prepare logistics and infrastructure ahead of the expected arrival of a larger Danish contingent, propped up by forces sent in by several other European nations, according to DR. While the Danish authorities have remained silent on the matter, the reported move has been welcomed by the left-wing Enhedslisten party.
“This is something we have been requesting over the past week. It is a wise move. And I understand that troops from other European countries are also on their way to Greenland. And it is the right signal to send to any great power that might get the bad idea of attacking Greenland,” a spokesperson for the party told DR.
Trump voiced aspirations for acquiring Greenland shortly after taking office for his second term and renewed the push in recent weeks. The president has claimed the US control over the island is needed for the sake of “national security.” He has also cited the allegedly imminent Russian or Chinese takeover of Greenland. The latter claim has been disputed by both Moscow and Beijing, as well as challenged by officials in Greenland itself.
On Wednesday, Trump further elaborated on his rationale behind the push to get Greenland. He claimed the island is crucial for creating his proposed Golden Dome integrated missile defense system. He also suggested that “NATO should be leading the way for us to get it,” arguing the acquisition would make the bloc “far more formidable and effective.”
Copenhagen has only signaled readiness to deepen cooperation with the US within the NATO framework rather than cede the island, pointing out its populace voted back in 2008 to maintain their self-governing status within Denmark.
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