Danish Troops Ordered 'Shoot First' Amid US Greenland Invasion Alert

Danish troops are mandated to fire first and inquire afterwards if the U.S. invades Greenland, based on the military's standing rules of engagement.

On Wednesday, the Danish Ministry of Defence confirmed a 1952 guideline that obligates soldiers to counter-attack any invading forces "immediately," without awaiting further orders.

The defence ministry affirmed that this directive "is still valid" when questioned on its status by Berlingske, a leading Danish newspaper.

This week, Donald Trump, the President of the United States, restated his desire to claim the NATO-controlled territory of Greenland, considering it crucial for US national security and expressing readiness to use military force if necessary.

His comments have taken Denmark by surprise, as the nation administers Greenland as an overseas territory and holds firm to the position that the island is "not for sale," a stance echoed by Greenland's government and members of the NATO alliance.

Berlingske reported that according to the 1952 regulation, in case of an invasion, "the attacked forces must engage in combat immediately, without waiting for or seeking orders, even if the commanding officers have not been informed of a war declaration or wartime status."

European allies convene urgent discussions on the potential U.S. assault

European allies are urgently meeting to devise a response to a potential U.S. aggression towards Greenland, an act that analysts suggest could spell the end of the NATO coalition.

"We are eager to act, but we aim to do so in tandem with our European allies," stated Jean-Noël Barrot, France's foreign minister, referencing conversations on how Europe should address a US acquisition of the Arctic territory.

An insider from the German government shared with Reuters news agency that Germany is "collaborating closely with other European nations, including Denmark, regarding the next steps about Greenland."

Additionally, on Wednesday, Mr Barrot conveyed that he received reassurances from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, indicating that Washington does not plan an "invasion."

"I spoke with Rubio on the phone yesterday... who affirmed that was not their strategy... he dismissed the possibility of an invasion [of Greenland]," the French foreign minister relayed.

Rubio's reassurances seem to contradict statements from Trump's press team

Mr Rubio informed U.S. legislators that the threats concerning Greenland do not imply an imminent invasion; instead, the ambition is to acquire the island, according to sources who spoke to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ).

The WSJ article, along with Mr Rubio’s reassurances, seems at odds with Karoline Leavitt, President Trump's press secretary, who remarked on Tuesday that military action was "always an option."

Simultaneously, on Wednesday, the Washington Post reported that US officials were increasingly engaging with their European counterparts about Greenland's takeover as a tangible prospect.

A senior European diplomat mentioned that there had been a notable change in rhetoric around the issue lately.

Sir Keir Starmer "expressed his stance on Greenland" during a phone dialogue with Donald Trump on Wednesday evening, as stated by Downing Street on Wednesday night.

Former French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin cautioned that should the U.S. proceed with invading Greenland, it would position itself as an "enemy" to NATO's European constituents.

"Europe must not concede any breach of European sovereignty," Mr Villepin told Bloomberg TV, emphasising that the scenario of one NATO member attacking another is "unprecedented."

"And indeed, if Donald Trump follows through, the status of the U.S. would shift from adversary or rival to that of an enemy," Mr Villepin stated. "It would mark a significant historical transformation."