Tensions between the United States and its European NATO allies have reached a critical point following the Trump administration's threats to seize Greenland. In a dramatic revelation, the Danish defence ministry has confirmed that a long-standing military rule from 1952, which mandates soldiers to attack invading forces "immediately" without awaiting orders, remains fully in force.
Cold War-Era Rule Resurfaces Amid Invasion Threats
The Danish defence ministry, questioned by the newspaper Berlingske, stated unequivocally that the order on precautionary measures for military defence during an attack "remains in force." This directive, established in 1952, stipulates that if an invasion occurs, "the attacked forces must immediately take up the fight without waiting for or seeking orders." This applies even if local commanders are unaware of a formal declaration of war.
This confirmation comes directly in response to escalating rhetoric from Washington. A senior US administration official this week revealed that plans are being explored, including purchasing Greenland or taking charge of its defence. The White House menacingly stated that "utilising the US military is always an option" and warned the issue is "not going away," brushing aside protests from European leaders.
European Allies Unite in Defence of Greenland
President Trump has framed the potential move as a necessity for NATO security against rising Chinese and Russian influence in the strategically vital Arctic. However, this justification has been met with fury and unity from European capitals.
In a powerful joint statement, the leaders of the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and Denmark declared they will "not stop defending" Greenland. They firmly asserted that "Greenland belongs to its people" and that only Denmark and Greenland can decide on matters concerning the territory. The leaders also pointed to the 1951 defence agreement signed between the US and Denmark.
Experts warn that any military action by the US against Greenland, a Danish territory, would likely mark the catastrophic end of the NATO alliance. Vital talks are now underway among European allies on how to coordinate a response to such an unprecedented scenario.
Trump Launches Ferocious Broadside Against NATO
In response to the European solidarity, President Trump launched a fierce attack on his NATO partners. In a social media post, he criticised members for not meeting defence spending targets, claiming "most weren't paying their bills" until he intervened. He cast doubt on the alliance's reliability, stating, "I doubt NATO would be there for us if we really needed them."
Trump added that Russia and China have "zero fear of NATO without the United States," positioning a "DJT-rebuilt USA" as the only nation they fear and respect. This broadside coincided with another show of US military force: the seizure of a Russian oil tanker off the north coast of Scotland, which was smuggling sanctioned oil from Venezuela.
The situation has left Europe on edge, with the threat to Greenland following the recent capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro. The activation of Denmark's 72-year-old "shoot first" defence rule underscores the grave and immediate nature of the crisis now facing the transatlantic alliance.
