Copenhagen: The leaders of Denmark and Greenland have issued a stern warning to U.S. President Donald Trump, urging him to cease making threats to seize Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark. This comes just a day after a U.S. military operation aimed at arresting the Venezuelan leader and bringing him to the United States for trial, during which Trump reiterated his interest in Greenland.

According to Thai News Agency, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen expressed her disapproval of the notion that the U.S. could or should annex Greenland, labeling the claim as "utterly absurd." Frederiksen emphasized that the United States has no right to annex any part of the Kingdom of Denmark and strongly advised the U.S. to stop threatening Denmark, a long-standing ally. She also highlighted that Greenland and its people have made it clear that they are "not for sale."

Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen echoed these sentiments, criticizing Trump's assertion linking the need for Greenland to the situation in Venezuela. Nielsen described the claim as incorrect and offensive to Greenland, its status, and its people.

The statements from the Danish and Greenlandic leaders followed President Trump's interview with The Atlantic magazine, where he reiterated his interest in Greenland. The U.S. military's recent operation in Venezuela has raised fears that Trump might consider a similar approach towards Greenland.

Greenland, once a Danish colony, holds the right to declare independence under a 2009 agreement but remains largely reliant on Danish support. Its strategic location between Europe and the Americas makes it a valuable military base for the U.S., and it is rich in mineral resources that could help reduce U.S. dependence on China.

Since taking office earlier this year, President Trump has expressed interest in incorporating Greenland into the United States, citing national security concerns. On December 21, Trump appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as a special envoy for Greenland. Additionally, political advisor Katie Miller, the wife of the White House's deputy chief of state security and policy counsel, posted an image of Greenland overlaid with the American flag colors with the caption "Coming Soon."