US Vice President Vance Critiques Denmark and Europe's Greenland Strategy

Fri Jan 09 2026 20:30:48 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a recent interview, US Vice President JD Vance expressed concerns over Denmark and Europe's approach to Greenland's defense, emphasizing its critical role in global security against threats from Russia and China.

Vice President JD Vance has criticized Denmark and European nations for their inadequate defense efforts concerning Greenland, which he claims is vital for US and global security in light of potential Russian and Chinese missile threats. Vance’s remarks come amid ongoing discussions within the US regarding Greenland’s strategic importance, including the controversial idea of offering to buy the territory, which both Denmark and Greenland have firmly rejected.

US Vice-President JD Vance says Greenland is critical for the defence of the US and the world against possible Russian or Chinese missile attacks - and that Europe and Denmark have not done a good job in securing the area.

Vance told Fox News that they had not only under-invested in Greenland's defences, but also failed to engage with President Donald Trump's argument over the issue.

US officials are actively discussing a potential offer to buy Greenland - a semi-autonomous Danish territory - the White House said on Wednesday, a day after suggesting military action to annex it to the US was also an option.

Denmark, a fellow NATO member, has warned this would spell the end of the alliance.

Both Greenland and Denmark have repeatedly stressed the island is not for sale.

Despite being the most sparsely populated territory, Greenland's location between North America and the Arctic makes it well placed for early warning systems in the event of missile attacks, and for monitoring vessels in the region.

Pituffik Space Base, formerly known as Thule Air Base, has been operated by the US since World War Two.

In recent years, there has also been increased interest in Greenland's natural resources - including rare earth minerals, uranium, and iron - which are becoming easier to access as its ice melts due to climate change. Scientists think it could also have significant oil and gas reserves.

Vance insisted that, If God forbid the Russians and the Chinese - not saying they're going to - but if, God forbid, somebody launched a nuclear missile into our continent, they launched a nuclear missile at Europe, Greenland is a critical part of that missile defence.

Concerns over the future of the territory resurfaced after Trump's use of military force to seize control over Venezuela, leading to heightened tensions around Greenland's status.

European leaders have publicly supported Denmark, asserting that Greenland belongs to its people, and only Denmark and Greenland can decide on matters concerning their relations.

Further, they stressed that Arctic security should be pursued collectively through NATO allies, including the US, while upholding principles such as sovereignty and territorial integrity.