‘We Can Hunt’: Greenlanders Contemplate Drastic Options Amid US Threats
Protesters gathered outside the United States embassy in Copenhagen on January 14, 2026, for a demonstration titled Greenland Belongs to the Greenlanders. Among those present was Ulrikke Andersen, who has formulated a plan in response to the looming threat of a US invasion of Greenland. The 40-year-old mother confided, If the United States invades Greenland, I will flee my home with my daughter.
Rising Tensions: What Greenlanders Are Facing
The Greenlandic capital, Nuuk, is home to many residents now grappling with unsettling thoughts about their future. Andersen—a tour operator—expressed, Before, I was ready to die for my country, but when I had a child that changed everything. This sentiment resonates across the community as they face an existential threat.
– US Intentions: Under President Donald Trump, the US has openly expressed interest in seizing Greenland, a territory rich in rare earth minerals and strategically located for military operations.
– Community Response: While panic hasn’t taken hold, residents are starting to prepare for potential worst-case scenarios. Many are stocking up on essential supplies, from food and water to medical necessities.
Preparing for the Unthinkable
Nuunu Binzer, a 35-year-old student, is among those contemplating drastic measures. I’m thinking about where to hide and what medicines we need to stock, she shared. So far, she hasn’t implemented any preparations but is acutely aware of the threats.
For Andersen, thoughts of war have resulted in concrete plans:
– Escape Routes: She has devised two plans. If the US takeover is gradual, she will fly to Denmark with her 12-year-old stepdaughter, Anike. Alternatively, if the invasion is sudden, they will escape by boat to a cabin along the fjord.
– Survival Knowledge: We can hunt, we can fish, we can live off nature. We are used to living under extreme conditions, Andersen mentioned, emphasizing the Greenlanders’ resilience.
A Community Divided: Perspectives on Staying or Leaving
Not everyone is contemplating escape. Inger Olsvig Brandt, a 62-year-old entrepreneur, firmly stated, I will not leave and I will try to help my country while I still have strength. She believes that the small population of Greenland needs to stand together.
– Shared Resolve: “We are so few that we need each other,” Brandt emphasized, highlighting the unity that comes from shared struggles.
Conclusion: A Fortified Community Amid Uncertainty
As Greenlanders weigh their options in the face of US threats, themes of resilience and community cooperation emerge. While preparations escalate among some, others like Brandt advocate for solidarity in challenging times. The prospect of invasion has ignited a pragmatic approach among residents, reminding them of their heritage and ability to adapt.
In these uncertain times, the mantra We can hunt acts as both a literal and metaphorical reminder of their enduring connection to the land and each other. The future remains uncertain, but the spirit of the Greenlanders is far from broken.