Denmark upholds 1952 shoot-on-sight order amid US Greenland threats

Friday 09 January 2026 - 12:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Denmark upholds 1952 shoot-on-sight order amid US Greenland threats

Denmark's Defense Ministry confirmed on Wednesday that a 1952 military directive remains active, requiring troops to engage any invading force immediately without awaiting orders—even if commanders lack notice of war declarations. The Cold War-era rule comes to light amid rising tensions over Greenland, with European leaders warning that a U.S. military takeover would shatter NATO and the post-World War II security framework.

The ministry told Danish outlet Berlingske that Danish forces must "immediately engage in combat without waiting for or requesting orders." Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen told TV2 on Monday that a U.S. attack on another NATO member would end everything, including NATO and the security established since World War II's close. Her comments follow renewed threats from President Donald Trump to seize the Arctic territory, with the White House confirming Tuesday that "use of the U.S. military remains an option."

European allies rallied behind Denmark this week. Leaders from France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Poland, and Spain issued a joint statement affirming that "Greenland belongs to its people" and decisions on the territory rest solely with Denmark and Greenland. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot told France Inter that France is coordinating a response plan with German and Polish counterparts: "We want to act, but together with our European partners."

Former French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin warned that a U.S. invasion would turn America from "adversary or rival into enemy" in European eyes, marking an unprecedented rupture for one NATO member attacking another. Finnish parliament Foreign Affairs Committee chair Johannes Koskinen urged NATO's North Atlantic Council to address whether the U.S. should be reined in over its territorial ambitions.

Domestic U.S. opposition is mounting. A Wednesday YouGov poll of 2,223 American adults showed 73% against using force to seize Greenland, with just 8% in support even 60% of Republicans opposed military action. Support for purchasing the territory edged higher at 28%, against 45% opposition.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who told lawmakers Monday that the administration prefers buying over invading Greenland, announced Wednesday a meeting next week with Danish and Greenlandic officials at the request of their foreign ministers. Bloomberg reported U.S. officials are pursuing trade deals and other options to deepen engagement with the territory.