Greenland's Strategic Importance
For the Danish army, the threat to Greenland isn’t Trump but Russia. Interest in Greenland’s mineral potential has grown since Trump suggested buying the territory, home to many critical minerals.
Private Mads Hansen, one of three Danish soldiers permanently stationed at a former mining outpost called Mestersvig, shares his experience of living in the desolate coast of eastern Greenland. His role includes patching roofs, plowing back snowdrifts, training sled dogs, and stitching them up after a fight.
“You get used to it,”
Hansen said while showing off the base’s snowplows, with a radio and handgun hanging from his belt. The station, along with much of Greenland’s eastern flank, is set to play a bigger role in supporting an expanded military presence as part of a broader defensive build-up directed at Russia.
Author's summary: Denmark boosts military presence in Greenland due to Russian threat.
- Greenland's mineral potential has grown in interest
- Danish army expands military presence in the Arctic
- Russia is the main threat to Greenland's security