Greenland's Prime Minister Urged The Island's Population To Prepare For A Possible U.S. Invasion
- 21.01.2026, 11:06
The government recommends stocking up on food for five days.
Greenland residents and authorities should start preparing for a possible U.S. military invasion amid threats from President Donald Trump, the island's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen has announced. "The use of military force is unlikely, but it cannot be ruled out. This has been made clear by the other side," Nielsen told a press conference in Nuuk.
He said the government is working on new recommendations for the population. Among other things, islanders will be advised to stock up on food for five days. The prime minister also announced the creation of a working group of local government officials to "help people prepare for any disruptions in daily life." Nielsen noted that Greenland must be prepared "for all possible options." At the same time, he reminded that the island is part of NATO, so any escalation by the US would have consequences for the whole world.
Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. Trump has repeatedly talked about plans to annex the island, attributing it to the danger posed by Russia and China. At the same time, NATO sources familiar with the intelligence told the Financial Times that no Russian or Chinese ship activity has been recorded off the island in recent years. Greenland's prime minister has previously said the island intends to remain part of Denmark and allied entities.
After Trump's threats to annex Greenland, several European Union nations, including Denmark, Germany, Sweden and France, sent military personnel to the island to conduct the "Arctic Resilience" exercise. In response, Trump has threatened to impose 10 percent duties on imports from countries that do not support Washington's plans to take control of Greenland. EU countries have also prepared to impose duties on American goods in this case.
With this background, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has offered the Trump administration an alternative to plans to annex Greenland, a knowledgeable source told CNN. According to him, Rutte took the initiative to conclude a new agreement between the United States and Denmark, which could include revising a treaty in place since 1951 to protect the island and provide guarantees to limit Chinese investment in its economy.