WW3 fears explode as Denmark vows to ‘shoot first, ask questions later | World | News
The following statements are included in the statement: “Forces that are attacked must immediately start fighting without waiting or seeking orders, even if the commanders in question are not aware of the declaration of war or the state of war.”
Danish defense officials told the local newspaper that “the order on precautionary measures for military defense in case of attack on the country and during war remains in force.” European allies of NATO and Denmark are reportedly in talks about how to respond to the US attack on Greenland. Experts suggest this will mean the end of the alliance.
“We want to take action, but we want to do it together with our European partners,” said French foreign minister Jean-Noël Barrot. Even the German government intervened, and a source told an international news agency that they were “working closely with other European countries and Denmark on the next steps regarding Greenland.”
Mr Barrot later confirmed Washington was not planning an “invasion” and said he had spoken to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who confirmed “that is not the approach”. Mr Rubio also reportedly told US politicians that threats to the Danish island did not necessarily signal an invasion and that the US would prefer to buy the territory.
European leaders responded forcefully to reported threats against fellow NATO members; Addressing Mr Trump, Sir Keir Starmer said he had “set out his position on Greenland”.
But former French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin warned that America would become an “enemy” of NATO if the US followed through on its threats and actually invaded Greenland.
Speaking to Bloomberg TV, he said: “In no case should Europe accept any damage to European sovereignty,” as he wanted that one NATO member striking out against another was “unprecedented”.
He added: “Of course Donald Trump Going forward, the US’s status will change from adversary or rival to enemy status […] “This will be a huge historical change.”
