Greenland denies need for US military invasion as access remains unrestricted

A US military invasion of Greenland is illogical, as the United States already has unrestricted access to the island.

Pele Broberg, a member of Greenland's parliament, chairman of the opposition party "Naleraka," and former head of the island's Foreign Ministry, made the statement in an interview with Russian media, per Caliber.Az.

“If the US attacked Greenland, what would they attack? What is there to attack? The Danish navy? That could be wiped out in seconds. And then the next line of defence is the Americans. So, are the Americans shooting at the Americans?” Broberg questioned. He emphasized that the US currently enjoys unlimited access to Greenland.

Broberg also pointed out that several US military bases are located in Greenland, although he could not specify the number of American military personnel currently stationed there.

Earlier, Broberg stated that the population of Greenland would not oppose a stronger US military presence on the island, adding that the US "can do whatever they want."

Former President Donald Trump has previously suggested that Greenland and Canada should be part of the United States, while also proposing that the US take control of the Panama Canal and rename the Gulf of Mexico. These statements were met with strong reactions from Canadian, Panamanian, and Danish officials.

Greenland’s strategic importance has been significant since the Cold War when it served as part of an early warning system. Trump has reiterated the island’s importance in the context of modern defense. Despite this, both Greenlandic and Danish officials have firmly rejected any notion of selling the island.

In recent years, Greenland's importance has grown as melting Arctic ice opens new shipping routes, leading to increased competition from global powers, particularly between the US and Russia. The island’s surrounding waters are rich in vital natural resources, further fueling global interest.

Currently, Denmark holds responsibility for Greenland's defence, but in recent days, Denmark has signalled openness to discussing American security needs without transferring sovereignty. Despite previous attempts to purchase the island, Greenland's residents largely viewed Trump’s proposal either as a joke or a serious threat to their sovereignty.

On December 22, 2024, Trump reiterated his stance on Greenland via Truth Social, stating, "The United States of America feels that the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity," echoing similar comments from his first term in office.

By Tamilla Hasanova