Denmark quietly placed its armed forces on high alert and ordered preparations involving live ammunition over fears of a possible US attack on Greenland, according to a report by Danish public broadcaster DR.
Citing central political sources familiar with the decision-making process, DR reported on Friday that Danish troops were instructed as recently as last week to be ready for a worst-case scenario. The military directive reportedly included orders to deploy live ammunition to Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, should the situation escalate.
The heightened state of readiness remained in effect until US President Donald Trump appeared to step back from the threat of using force following talks with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Wednesday. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, after which tensions were said to have eased.
According to the report, there was broad political support within Denmark to resist any potential attack on Greenland. This backing extended beyond the ruling coalition and included several opposition parties, reflecting a rare consensus on national security and sovereignty issues.
Trump has repeatedly voiced interest in Greenland, citing its strategic importance in the Arctic, its vast mineral resources, and concerns about expanding Russian and Chinese influence in the region. His remarks in recent months have raised alarm in Copenhagen and Nuuk, prompting Danish authorities to quietly prepare for extreme contingencies.
Denmark and Greenland have consistently rejected any proposal to sell the autonomous territory, firmly reiterating that Greenland is not for sale and remains under Danish sovereignty. Greenland’s leadership has also stressed the island’s right to self-determination.
Following his meeting with Rutte, Trump said a framework had been established for potential negotiations involving Greenland and broader Arctic cooperation. He also appeared to soften his earlier rhetoric, backing away from explicit threats of force and dropping warnings about imposing tariffs on European countries opposing his bid to acquire the territory.
While no military confrontation materialised, the report highlights the level of concern triggered in Denmark by the prospect of escalating tensions with its closest ally.
