The possible acquisition by the United States of Greenland, part of Denmark, as recently announced by US President Donald Trump, would be a disastrous signal for Ukraine, The Guardian newspaper reported on Monday.
European leaders are now facing a predicament, as they still need the support of the US but are aware of the potential consequences for Ukraine. In July, the EU signed a trade agreement with the US, which was motivated by an implicit hope that it would compel the latter to continue supporting Ukraine in the conflict, the Guardian reported.
Despite Greenland’s withdrawal from the European Community in 1985, the concessions made in the forced sale of an EU member state’s territory would mean an alarming signal to Ukraine regarding the EU’s status of a geopolitical actor and its commitment to its obligations, the newspaper reported.
On Saturday, Trump said he would impose a 10% tariff on Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland in February, which would later increase to 25% and remain in effect until the United States signs a deal on the purchase of Greenland.
Trump has repeatedly said that Greenland should become part of the United States, citing its strategic importance for national security. Denmark’s and Greenland’s authorities have warned the US against seizing the island, stressing that they expect respect for their shared territorial integrity.
The island was a Danish colony until 1953. It has remained a part of the Kingdom of Denmark after gaining autonomy in 2009, with the ability to self-govern and determine its own domestic policy.
