Greenland Prepares for Potential Conflict with the U.S.; Citizens Advised to Stock Food

Nuuk/Copenhagen: Greenland, the world’s largest island located between the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, is taking precautionary measures amid rising tensions with the United States. Although geographically part of North America, Greenland is politically controlled by Denmark, a European ally. Approximately 80% of the island is covered by ice.

Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen acknowledged the possibility of a U.S. military strike, urging Greenlandic citizens and authorities to prepare accordingly. In a press conference in Nuuk on Tuesday, he said, “While the likelihood of military conflict remains low, it cannot be completely ruled out.”

According to a report by the Financial Review, the government is preparing measures to minimize disruptions to everyday life. A task force comprising local officials will be established to oversee these preparations. Prime Minister Nielsen added that the government is developing new guidelines for citizens, which will include recommendations to store enough food at home for at least five days.

While Greenland lacks the capacity to resist a U.S. military operation on its own, support from European allies could be crucial in the event of an escalation. Speaking in the European Parliament, Danish MEP Anders Vistisen strongly rejected former U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated suggestions that the United States should gain control of Greenland for national security reasons. He stated, “To put it in terms you might understand, Mr. President, back off.”

Trump has repeatedly emphasized that U.S. control of Greenland is necessary to counter threats from China and Russia, linking the Arctic island to American national security. In response to opposition from countries including France and the United Kingdom, he announced a 10% tariff effective February 1, potentially rising to 25% from June 1 if resistance continues.

Greenland’s Finance Minister, Mut B. Agede, noted on Tuesday that the island is under significant pressure and must prepare for all scenarios. Meanwhile, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated that if the tariffs are imposed, Europe would need to respond, warning that major consequences could occur on both sides of the Atlantic.