The Greenlandic authorities have openly called on the UK to “dare to have principles” and to be more active in helping to counter pressure from US President Donald Trump, who has been threatening for several weeks to use force to annex the world’s largest island to the United States.
Speaking at a press conference in Westminster, Greenland’s Minister of Business and Energy Naaja Nathanielsen stated bluntly: “The UK must dare to have principles and help us defend ourselves against Donald Trump’s threats. We feel betrayed, and his rhetoric is offensive.”
Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen previously emphasized that the island chooses an alliance with Denmark and categorically rejects the idea of joining the United States.
The situation escalated sharply after a series of statements by Donald Trump, who in early January 2026 repeatedly said that the US would “do something with Greenland — whether they like it or not,” citing the need to stay ahead of Russia and China in the Arctic. The American president repeatedly called control over Greenland a matter of “national security” and even instructed the special services to prepare appropriate plans.
Former British Defense Minister Ben Wallace called on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to convene the leaders of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) to discuss specific steps to protect Greenland and the entire High North.
So far, official London has limited itself to diplomatic statements. “The future of Greenland must be determined by the Greenlanders themselves and the Kingdom of Denmark,” Prime Minister Starmer emphasized last week.
Meanwhile, sentiment in Greenland remains extremely negative toward American claims. Polls show that more than 85% of the population is categorically opposed to joining the US. The island’s political leaders unanimously declare: “Greenland belongs to its people — period.”