A new confrontation has erupted between Washington and Copenhagen over Greenland. Specifically, Denmark is accusing the US of conducting “secret operations.” Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen summoned US Ambassador to Copenhagen Mark Stro, in a clear sign of protest over potential interference in the country’s internal affairs, following allegations about conducting secret operations in Greenland, the BBC reported.
It should be recalled that US President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire to “purchase” or even annex Greenland, provoking strong reactions in Denmark. Last May, Rasmussen had already summoned the same US diplomat following a Wall Street Journal report that US intelligence services had been instructed to focus on Greenland, aiming to gather information about the independence movement and residents’ views on US exploitation of mineral resources. During the same period, US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard did not deny the report but accused the Wall Street Journal of “violating the law and undermining the country’s security and democracy.”
US-Denmark clash: How the new tensions began
According to Denmark’s state public broadcaster (DR), Americans were targeting penetration into Greenland’s society and promoting a movement to break away from Denmark in favor of the US. Although DR could not definitively identify who was working for US intelligence services, Denmark appears to be taking the possibility of foreign influence seriously.
The Danish Security and Intelligence Service PET warned that Greenland faces “various types of influence from external actors.” The basic scenario, as the service reported, would be creating division in Denmark-Greenland relations, exploiting either real or imaginary disagreements, either through ground agents or by spreading disinformation. PET has strengthened its presence on the island and is working closely with local authorities to prevent potential interference.
Rasmussen emphasized: “Any attempt to interfere in the Kingdom’s internal affairs is naturally unacceptable.” He also noted that the government is fully aware that foreign actors continue to show interest in Greenland and its position within the Kingdom of Denmark. “It would not be surprising if we experience external influence attempts regarding the Kingdom’s future in the near term,” he added.
The latest DR report stated that an American visited the Greenlandic capital, Nuuk, and was attempting to compile a list of Greenlanders who supported American efforts for secession from Denmark, aiming to recruit them into an autonomy movement under US auspices.
