Soldiers in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland.Image: keystone
After the USA arrested ruler Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela, concerns grew in Denmark that it was now Greenland’s turn. We prepared accordingly.
Mar 20, 2026, 10:49Mar 20, 2026, 10:49
US President Donald Trump made all of Europe nervous at the beginning of the year when he repeatedly emphasized that the US wanted to annex Greenland. That was shortly after Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro was arrested and brought to the United States. Several countries ultimately sent soldiers to the north in case the situation escalated. Denmark always insisted that giving Greenland to the USA was not an issue.
Prevent US planes from landing
Media reports now show how much Denmark has actually prepared itself for an emergency. The public broadcaster DR reports that Danish soldiers have been sent to Greenland to blow up crucial airstrips in the event of a possible US invasion. He cites the Danish government and military as well as European allies.
Nuuk airport.Image: keystone
The aim was to prevent American aircraft from landing if things got serious. “When Trump keeps saying that he wants to take over Greenland and then what happened in Venezuela, we had to take all scenarios seriously,” a source told “DR”.
An emergency was disguised as an exercise
The broadcaster also reports that blood reserves were also brought to Greenland in order to be able to care for possible wounded in the event of a fight.
Danish soldiers arrive in Nuuk on January 18, 2026.Image: keystone
According to BBC Only a small number of people were privy to the plans. The action took place under the guise of… Military exercise “Arctic Endurance” instead of. Military sources say that normally no explosives or blood reserves would be carried during such exercises.
“After Venezuela, they thought they could walk on water.”
Opposite the Financial Times two European officials confirmed the plans. Accordingly, the troops brought enough explosives with them to blow up the main airstrips near the capital Nuuk. The runways of what was once the largest airport in Kangerlussuaq were also to be destroyed.
“After Venezuela, they thought they could walk on water: Let’s take over this thing and this country,” one of the officials told the Financial Times.
Trump sticks to his wish
The Danes’ fears have now subsided somewhat, although they have not yet disappeared. The threat remains.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen also says: “Trump’s desire to take over Greenland remains.” Negotiations are still ongoing to find a solution to the conflict that is also acceptable to Greenland and Denmark. These talks were made possible primarily by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who was able to convince Trump at the WEF in Davos to discuss compromise. Previously, during a speech, Trump again spoke about the US planning to take over Greenland.
Video: watson/michael shepherd
Trump had justified his claims to ownership with national security. In his opinion, China and Russia would pose an acute threat to Greenland. He denied that it was about rare earths or oil. Just in February, Trump announced on Truth Social that he wanted to send a hospital ship to Greenland to help care for the sick. This shows that he hasn’t given up on his desire yet.