U.S. Troops Could “Refuse to Invade Greenland” Over Legal Concerns

A former Tory MP and defense expert has suggested that US troops could refuse to invade Greenland, saying “it would be interesting to see if US troops followed orders” should President Donald Trump pursue military action. Antonio Scancariello and Charlie Bradley reported for the UK Express.

It would be interesting to see if US troops followed orders because there is a major legal dispute over whether this is allowed. (Photo: TSGT Lee E. Schading / U.S. Air Force)

Tobias Ellwood told the Daily Express: “European troops would fold. America remains the most formidable military force in the world by some margin.

The idea that European nations could take on America—it would lead to a point of no return for generations. It would be interesting to see if US troops followed orders because there is a major legal dispute over whether this is allowed.

Imagine being an American soldier and being told, ‘Your enemy is now the British,’ and potentially having to kill people you’ve trained with. This is the kind of NATO civil war you don’t even want to contemplate.”

He added: “Invading Greenland plays completely into China and Russia’s hands, and they will enjoy this conflict between NATO allies. NATO is already at risk of splintering, and this will not help America in the long run. If we are forced to handle Russia alone, we won’t be there. That would weaken America over the long term.”

Danish foreign ministers said Copenhagen and Washington remain in “fundamental disagreement” over Greenland’s future following recent White House talks.

Large demonstrations are planned across Denmark and Greenland on Saturday to protest Trump’s territorial ambitions.

Thousands of people have said on social media that they plan to participate in protests organized by Greenlandic associations in Nuuk and Copenhagen, as well as Aarhus, Aalborg, and Odense.