“Shoot First, Ask Later”: Denmark Orders Troops in Greenland, US Taken Aback

Copenhagen: Denmark has reminded its troops stationed in Greenland of a Cold War-era rule from 1952, which authorizes soldiers to respond immediately to any attack on the territory—even before a formal declaration of war. The directive comes amid speculation that the United States, under former President Donald Trump, considered military action to seize control of Greenland.

The Danish Ministry of Defense stated that soldiers are required to counter any foreign aggression without waiting for explicit orders, ensuring a prompt and forceful response. “Troops must engage immediately in case of an attack, regardless of whether commanders have been informed of a formal war declaration or the overall situation,” a ministry spokesperson said.

European Support for Denmark

Denmark’s European allies have expressed solidarity, emphasizing coordinated action. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said discussions are underway with German and Polish counterparts to formulate a unified European response. “We want to act, but in close coordination with our European partners,” Barrot told France Inter radio.

NATO Involvement

The issue has also reached NATO. Johans Koskinen, chair of Finland’s parliamentary foreign affairs committee, called for the matter to be raised at the North Atlantic Council, scheduled to meet Thursday. While Greenland is not a NATO member in its own right, it falls under Denmark’s membership. US Senator Marco Rubio confirmed that discussions with Danish officials are planned next week at the request of Danish and Greenlandic foreign ministers.

The tense situation underscores Greenland’s strategic significance in the Arctic and the geopolitical sensitivities surrounding territorial defense and international intervention.