A Greenlandic soldier who served with US troops in Afghanistan has criticized President Donald Trump for his interest in acquiring the Danish territory of Greenland. Soldier Salik Augustinussen cautioned against any US military action to invade Greenland, highlighting the historical solidarity between Greenlandic soldiers and US troops who fought together after the 9/11 attacks.
Denmark, a strong ally of the US, lost 43 troops in Operation Enduring Freedom, marking the highest death toll among participating countries until 2009. Despite this, Trump has raised the idea of seizing Greenland, alleging that Denmark cannot safeguard the region from potential threats by Russia and China.
The soldier emphasized the shared commitment to NATO and the duty to protect allies, expressing concern that an invasion of Greenland would be an attack on the Kingdom of Denmark and the soldiers who fought alongside the US during times of need. The soldier’s statement urged against the proposed military action, underlining the bond between NATO members and the potential consequences of disregarding international alliances.
The Veteran Project Greenland, an organization supporting veterans in Greenland, expressed unease over the annexation discourse from the White House, stressing that Greenland belongs to its people and condemning any disrespect towards international law. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reiterated that Greenland is not for sale and emphasized that the island’s future should be determined by its inhabitants.
Polling data indicated that only a small percentage of Greenland’s population favored joining the US, with the majority preferring to remain part of Denmark or pursue independence. Amidst the ongoing discussions and tensions, the stance of Greenlandic people and Danish veterans remains steadfast in protecting their sovereignty and autonomy.