US‑Denmark tensions rise over Greenland control dispute
There is an ongoing diplomatic dispute between the United States and Denmark regarding control over Greenland. In the latest development, the head of the Danish government sharply responded to the U.S. Vice President after J.D. Vance stated that Denmark "is not a good ally." Mette Frederiksen reminded that Danish soldiers were killed in both Afghanistan and Iraq.
Greenland remains in the spotlight after statements by Donald Trump, who in recent weeks has repeatedly spoken about the need for the U.S. to take over Greenland.
In an interview with Fox News, J.D. Vance claimed that Denmark is not fulfilling its allied obligations as the country controlling the island. "It's sea routes that the Chinese and Russians are using, and to be honest, Denmark is not doing its job in controlling Greenland, he responds and continues, according to Danish Ritzau," the U.S. Vice President stated.
Before the Monday meeting of EU leaders in Brussels, Prime Minister Frederiksen highlighted Denmark’s role as a key U.S. ally, noting its involvement in military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. She pointed out that Denmark had suffered losses comparable to those of the United States and reaffirmed the country's strong alliance.
Vance outraged the Danes. There is a response
Frederiksen also assured that, despite the current turbulence, Denmark would continue its defence cooperation with the U.S., especially in the Arctic region and on NATO's eastern flank.
Frederiksen emphasized the need for cooperation with the U.S. in combating terrorism and addressing instability in the Baltic Sea region. He also stressed the importance of working together on NATO’s eastern flank to maintain a strong and resolute stance against Russia.