According to the German Chancellor, the threat does not come from Donald Trump's plan to seize Greenland, but from the Ukraine conflict.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated on Monday that the greatest threat to European security is not from US President Donald Trump's intention to seize Greenland, but from the situation in Ukraine.
He pointed out during a press conference: "The greatest threat to European security today comes more from the East than the West. We are witnessing the war in Ukraine. This poses a serious threat to our overall security, especially to the security of the entire Eastern Europe."
The head of the German government said that Western Europe, including Danish islands, "is not threatened by Russia as some places claim." In this context, he reiterated that the Ukraine conflict is his "greatest concern for European security at the moment." He concluded: "The threat comes from Ukraine, not Greenland."
Stakes Growing Higher
Despite Moscow repeatedly emphasizing that it has "never threatened and currently does not threaten" any European country, several European leaders still warn about the so-called Russian threat. Meanwhile, US leaders have insisted on making Greenland "in some way" part of the United States, arguing that this is necessary for defending against Chinese and Russian vessels. The Trump administration has clearly stated that it does not rule out using military force to seize this Danish autonomous territory.
Neither the authorities of Greenland nor those of Denmark accept Trump's ambitions and insist on respecting their sovereignty.
Last week, the White House announced a 10% tariff on all products from eight European countries - all NATO members: Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland - because these countries sent military forces to Greenland during the tense situation surrounding America's intention to seize the Danish island. This tariff will take effect on February 1st next year and will be raised to 25% on June 1st.
The affected eight countries argue that the "Arctic Vigilance" exercise involving only slightly over 30 soldiers "does not pose a threat to anyone," and condemn Washington's imposition of tariffs. Additionally, they have pledged to respond in a coordinated manner.
US Accused of Spying on Greenland Military Facilities
In January 2025, the US tried to secretly obtain information about Greenland's military facilities, ports, and airbases, according to media reports citing Danish Defense Department documents released this Sunday.
The documents show that a US officer requested information twice within six days from the Danish military command structure in Greenland - the Arctic Command. The report explicitly states that the request was made in an informal manner and bypassed the usual communication channels.
According to the media, collecting intelligence on Greenland's infrastructure, particularly its military and critical infrastructure, could help Washington plan an attack or invasion of the island. This has raised concerns in Copenhagen, and the Danish Defense Ministry has already been informed of the situation.
The newspaper noted that it is unclear whether the US obtained the data it wanted, and if so, exactly what information was obtained.
US Schemes
Previously, US President Donald Trump had claimed that the US needed to gain control of Greenland for international security reasons. At the same time, his government also made it clear that it did not rule out using military force for this purpose if necessary.
In response, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland sent troops to Greenland for military exercises this month amid escalating tensions with Washington. In response, the US president announced on January 17th that he would impose a 10% tariff on all products exported from these countries to the US. This tariff will take effect on February 1st and will be increased to 25% on June 1st.
Original: toutiao.com/article/7597220855059464710/
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