A US military operation to seize control of Greenland, the autonomous Danish territory in the Arctic, would “clearly mean the end of transatlantic relations and Nato,” Lithuania’s European Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius said on January 6 in an interview for national broadcaster LRT.

US President Donald Trump on January 4 repeated earlier statements that Greenland should become part of the United States, despite appeals from Denmark’s prime minister to stop threatening the territory. 

He argued that the island is essential for US national security, claiming Denmark is unable to ensure that security on its own. Trump has also pointed to Greenland’s mineral resources as strategically important for the technology sector.

“I agree with the Danish prime minister: if such a thing were to happen – although I do not believe it will – if the US administration decided to use force to take control of Greenland, that would clearly mean the end of transatlantic relations and Nato,” Kubilius told LRT TV.

Kubilius suggested the US should already understand the implications. “The US administration probably understands this well,” he added, stressing that using force against a Nato ally would be a historic rupture.

 Asked about alternative approaches, Kubilius said that if Washington seeks to strengthen security in Greenland or the broader Arctic, it can do so through existing means rather than threats. “Those possibilities already exist. There is absolutely no need to threaten or intimidate with talk of taking over Greenland or its control,” he said, LRT.lt reported.

Greenland is an inseparable part of the Kingdom of Denmark, the Baltic foreign ministers said earlier this week after Trump renewed his claims that the United States should take control of the island.

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys said Denmark is a strong democracy and a reliable Nato ally, stressing that Greenland’s status is a matter of transatlantic security. Writing on X on January 5, he said respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty is essential to global stability and that any decisions regarding Greenland can be made only by Denmark and Greenland themselves.

Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braze echoed that position, saying all issues related to Greenland’s status must be resolved by Denmark and Greenland through dialogue. She added that allies are committed to preserving peace and security and must respect each other’s sovereignty.

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said Estonia stands in full solidarity with Denmark, calling it a Nordic-Baltic ally. He emphasised that Greenland is an integral part of the Kingdom of Denmark and that no decisions concerning the territory can be made without the involvement of both Denmark and Greenland.