In early 2026, Denmark urgently sent military units to Greenland and prepared the infrastructure for possible hostilities due to fears of a military takeover of the island by the United States.
It was reported by DR, citing sources in the government and defense structures.
In January, the Danish military delivered explosives to Greenland to potentially destroy the runways in Nuuk and Kangerlussuaq to make it impossible for troops to land. At the same time, supplies of donor blood were brought to the island to treat the wounded in the event of hostilities.
Sources note that there was no intelligence on the US preparations for an attack. At the same time, Denmark and its allies considered the risk of a violent scenario on the part of US President Donald Trump after his statements about his interest in Greenland.
The situation escalated after the US military operation in Venezuela on January 3, 2026. According to one of DR's interlocutors, these events forced the Danish side to consider all possible scenarios.
After that, Denmark, together with its allies, accelerated military deployment in the region. Units from Denmark, France, Germany, Norway, and Sweden arrived in Greenland, and F-35 fighters and a French warship were sent to Greenland.
According to DR, the presence of troops from several countries was supposed to complicate any potential operation, increasing its scale and risks. Officially, these actions were presented as Arctic Endurance exercises, but sources claim that they were preparations for defense.
The Danish military was ordered to act in accordance with the royal instruction, which provides for resistance in the event of an attack.
On January 21, Donald Trump stated that the United States would not use military force against Greenland, while emphasizing the strategic importance of the island. US Ambassador to Denmark Ken Howery confirmed that there were no plans for military action, but did not answer questions about possible preliminary scenarios.
On January 14, US President Donald Trump stated that the United States needs Greenland for the Golden Dome and NATO.
On January 12, Denmark reminded of the international recognition of Greenland as part of Denmark, as well as the right of the Greenlanders themselves to decide their future.
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