Danish intel warns of U.S. military posture
Denmark’s Defense Intelligence Service said in its annual assessment, published Wednesday, that the United States under President Trump is using economic power to assert its will and is no longer ruling out the use of military force even against allies, amid intensifying great‑power competition in the Arctic. The report highlights rising strategic focus on the Arctic, Trump’s interest in Greenland, Russia’s plans to strengthen polar military capabilities, and recent U.S. lethal maritime strikes, and links the assessment to the administration’s new national security strategy depicting European allies as weak.
📌 Key Facts
- Publisher: Danish Defense Intelligence Service annual assessment released Dec. 10, 2025
- Finding: U.S. leveraging tariffs/economic pressure and not ruling out military force even against allies
- Focus: Rising Arctic competition involving the U.S., Russia, and China; Greenland cited as sensitive issue
📊 Relevant Data
The Arctic region is estimated to hold 13% of the world's undiscovered oil reserves and 30% of undiscovered natural gas reserves, with increasing accessibility due to melting sea ice.
Some Cold, Hard Facts About U.S. Arctic Strategy — The Heritage Foundation
Greenland's population in 2025 is approximately 56,000, with about 81% being Greenland-born individuals with two Greenland-born parents, predominantly of Inuit descent.
Demographic Shifts in Greenland: A 10-Year Perspective — Nordic Insights
Greenland possesses significant deposits of rare earth elements, zinc, iron ore, and other critical minerals, as outlined in its 2025-2029 mineral resources strategy.
GREENLAND MINERAL RESOURCES STRATEGY 2025-2029 — Government of Greenland
Russia has continued its military build-up in the Arctic, including expanding bases and capabilities in response to NATO activities.
China and Russia challenge the Arctic order — Danish Institute for International Studies
China and Russia conducted joint naval exercises in the Sea of Japan in August 2025, enhancing their military cooperation in regions adjacent to the Arctic.
Russian–Chinese Naval Exercise Maritime Interaction–2025 — SpecialEurasia