Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated Monday that a potential U.S. takeover of Greenland would effectively dismantle the NATO military alliance, a cornerstone of postwar security. Frederiksen's remarks were a direct response to renewed calls from U.S. President Donald Trump for the United States to acquire control of Greenland, a strategically important Arctic island rich in natural resources. These calls intensified following a U.S. military operation in Venezuela over the weekend.

The operation, a predawn raid in Caracas purportedly aimed at capturing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, sparked international condemnation and amplified anxieties in both Denmark and Greenland. Greenland, while a semiautonomous territory within the Danish kingdom, is also a part of NATO, making the situation particularly sensitive.

Frederiksen, along with Greenlandic Premier Jens Frederik Nielsen, strongly criticized President Trump's statements, warning of potentially disastrous consequences for international security. Several European leaders have voiced their support for Denmark and Greenland in this dispute.

"If the United States chooses to attack another NATO country militarily, then everything stops," Frederiksen told Danish broadcaster TV2. "That is, including our NATO and thus the security that has been provided since the end of the Second World War."

The prospect of the U.S. seeking to acquire Greenland is not new. President Trump reportedly raised the issue repeatedly during his presidential transition and in the early years of his administration. The notion, however, has consistently been met with resistance from both Danish and Greenlandic officials, who emphasize the island's distinct identity and its close ties to Denmark.

Greenland's strategic importance stems from its location in the Arctic, a region increasingly affected by climate change and geopolitical competition. As ice melts, new shipping routes and access to untapped mineral resources become available, attracting the attention of various global powers, including the United States, Russia, and China.

The United States has a historical military presence in Greenland, dating back to World War II. Thule Air Base, located in the north of the island, is a critical component of the U.S. ballistic missile early warning system.

The current situation underscores the complex relationship between Denmark, Greenland, and the United States, and raises fundamental questions about the future of Arctic security and the integrity of the NATO alliance. The Danish government is expected to consult with its NATO allies in the coming days to discuss the implications of President Trump's statements and to reaffirm its commitment to Greenland's sovereignty.