Greenland Prime Minister: We choose Denmark, not America

“We are facing a geopolitical crisis. If we had to choose between the US and Denmark right now, we would choose Denmark,” Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said at a press conference in Copenhagen today.

“It needs to be made clear to everyone that Greenland does not want to be owned by the US, does not want to be controlled by the US, and does not want to be part of them,” Mr. Nielsen emphasized.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who was also present at the press conference, said that resisting “unreasonable pressure from our closest ally” was not at all easy.

“However, there are many signs that the most difficult period is still ahead,” Ms. Frederiksen said, emphasizing that “of course, we want to strengthen cooperation on security in the Arctic with the US, NATO, Europe and with the Arctic countries in NATO.”

US President Donald Trump has recently been pushing to gain control of Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, on the grounds that Washington needs this land to deter Russia and China. The head of the White House said that Greenland’s geographical location and resources make the island important to US national security.

Mr. Trump wants to buy Greenland and does not rule out the possibility of using force. However, the US emphasized that the goal is acquisition negotiations, not military intervention.

Prime Minister Frederiksen warned that the country is facing a “decisive moment” in the diplomatic confrontation with the US over Greenland, affirming that Copenhagen is ready to protect values, international law and the people’s right to self-determination. Germany, Sweden and many other European countries have voiced their support for Denmark.

However, Denmark still hopes that diplomatic visits can help reduce tensions. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and head of Greenland’s foreign affairs agency Vivian Motzfeldt are expected to meet with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the White House on January 14. Mr. Lars Lokke Rasmussen said he would refute what Copenhagen considers “factual errors and exaggerated security arguments”.