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Greenland urged to prepare as US takeover talk raises Arctic tensions
NUUK, Greenland, is not the kind of place that usually finds itself at the centre of global military speculation. Life on the world’s largest island has long been shaped by weather, geography, and close-knit communities rather than power politics. That sense of distance shifted this week after Greenland’s leadership warned residents to prepare for possible disruptions linked to mounting pressure from the United States.
Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said Greenland is setting up a task force to help residents cope should daily life be affected. While he stressed that a military conflict is not likely, he added that it cannot be completely ruled out. For Greenland’s population of about 57 000, the message was a sobering one.
Preparing for disruption, not panic
The government’s guidance is practical rather than alarmist. Officials are advising households to ensure they have enough food and essentials to last at least five days. The aim, according to Greenland’s leadership, is to make sure people are prepared for possible interruptions to supplies or services if tensions escalate.
Finance Minister Mute Bourup Egede said the island is under significant pressure and needs to be ready for all scenarios. The focus, he emphasised, is resilience and planning rather than fear.
Why Greenland is back in Washington’s sights
The renewed concern follows repeated statements by US President Donald Trump, who has for years argued that Greenland should become part of the United States. He has framed the idea as a national security necessity, citing the Arctic’s strategic importance and the influence of Russia and China in the region.
Trump has previously floated the idea of buying Greenland from Denmark and has declined to rule out the use of force, saying the issue may need to be resolved “the hard way.” More recently, he announced plans to impose tariffs on European countries that oppose his proposal, including Denmark, Britain, France, and Germany, if no agreement is reached.
Denmark and NATO respond
Denmark has pushed back firmly on any suggestion of transferring sovereignty. Danish and Greenlandic leaders have both stated that there is no immediate threat of Russian or Chinese encroachment and have expressed willingness to engage with the United States on security cooperation, provided Greenland remains Danish territory.
As tensions rose, Denmark sent additional troops to Greenland as part of the international Arctic Endurance exercise. European leaders have also warned that any US attack on a fellow NATO member would seriously undermine the alliance.
Sovereignty at the heart of the issue
For Greenland’s leaders, the line is clear. Cooperation on mining projects or expanded military facilities can be discussed, but handing over sovereignty is not an option. As one senior Danish official put it, Greenland’s people do not want to become Americans, and that decision is not up for negotiation.
For now, Greenland continues to go about its daily life, but with a sharper awareness of how quickly distant political ambitions can reach even the most remote corners of the world.
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: The Times
