Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has declared her nation is facing a 'fateful moment' and stands at a crossroads, following renewed threats from former US President Donald Trump to take control of Greenland.
A Threat to the Western Alliance
Speaking at a party leader debate in Nyborg on Sunday, Frederiksen issued a stark warning about the implications of the US stance. She accused the United States of potentially turning its back on the NATO alliance by threatening a fellow member state, an action she described as unprecedented.
'What is at stake is bigger than what the eye can see,' Frederiksen stated. 'If what we experience from the Americans is that they are actually turning their backs on the western alliance... then everything will stop.' Her comments set the stage for a crucial week of diplomacy, with Danish and Greenlandic foreign ministers due to meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Trump's 'Nice Way or Difficult Way' Ultimatum
The crisis escalated on Friday when Trump declared the US would act on Greenland 'whether they like it or not'. He presented a blunt ultimatum: 'We're going to be doing something with Greenland, either the nice way or the more difficult way.' His administration has repeatedly declined to rule out military action, despite both Denmark and Greenland being longstanding NATO allies.
In a powerful and unified response, Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen and the leaders of the territory's four other political parties issued a joint statement asserting their sovereignty. 'We don't want to be Americans, we don't want to be Danish, we want to be Greenlanders,' it read. 'The future of Greenland must be decided by Greenlanders.'
International Backing for Denmark
Frederiksen revealed she has not discussed Greenland with Trump since a phone call a year ago, despite having seen him since. She emphasised Denmark is working to make its position clear in 'an American reality' but must 'stand firm' on the issue. The Danish leader framed the situation as a clear choice between right and wrong.
The dispute has drawn international concern, with Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson speaking out in support of Denmark at a defence conference in Sälen. He argued the US should thank Denmark for its loyalty rather than issue 'threatening rhetoric'. Kristersson also condemned a recent US attack on Venezuela, warning it violated international law and risked encouraging similar actions by other nations.
Amid the growing tensions, Sweden announced a significant investment of 15 billion Swedish kronor (approximately £1.21 billion) into its territorial air defence capabilities. 'The world we know continues to be shaken,' Kristersson remarked, urging preparedness over panic.
Frederiksen confirmed Denmark has received 'massive support' from fellow NATO countries, underscoring the broad unease within the alliance over the US threats. The situation presents one of the most serious diplomatic challenges to transatlantic relations in recent years.
