WW3 fears explode as Denmark vows to 'shoot first, ask questions later'

NATO troops training. (Image: PA)

NATO could be on the brink of collapse if President Donald Trump follows through on reported threats to take Greenland after the Danish defence ministry told troops to "shoot first, ask questions later". It comes after months of posturing by the United States saw Trump state that the use of military force to take Greenland was not off the table.

His remarks staggered NATO allies, who were forced to issue a statement earlier this week stating that Greenland's sovereignty should be respected. Tensions have only escalated after the Danish defence ministry confirmed that troops are required to follow rules of engagement which demand they "immediately" counterattack invading forces, even if not directly ordered to do so. The ministry was asked by a Danish paper if the rule still was in place, which they confirmed.

It states: "The attacked forces must immediately take up the fight without waiting for or seeking orders, even if the commanders in question are not aware of the declaration of war or state of war."

Danish defence officials told the local paper that the "order on precautionary measures for military defence in the event of attacks on the country and during war, remains in force". NATO and European allies of Denmark have reportedly been holding talks about how they would respond to a US attack on Greenland, which experts suggest would spell the end of the alliance.

"We want to take action, but we want to do so together with our European partners,", the French foreign minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, said. Even the German government weighed in, with a source telling an international news agency that they were "closely working together with other European countries and Denmark on the next steps regarding Greenland".

Mr Barrot later confirmed that Washington was not planning an "invasion", saying he had spoken to US secretary of state Marco Rubio, who confirmed "that this was not the approach taken". Mr Rubio has also reportedly told US politicians that threats against the Danish island do not necessarily signal an invasion, and that the United States would rather buy the territory.

Trump has made a series of threats. (Image: PA)

European leaders have responded robustly to reported threats against the fellow NATO member, with Sir Keir Starmer reported to have "set out his position on Greenland" in a clal to Mr Trump.

Former French PM, Dominique de Villepin, however warned that if the United States followed through on their threats, and did actually invade Greenland, that America would become an "enemy" of NATO.

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 if Donald Trump goes forward, the status of the US will go from adversary or rival to the one of enemy [...] It’ll be a huge historical change."