Denmark: Greenland could gain independence, but it's unlikely to become a U.S. state.

The Reuters agency, which quotes this statement, notes that Danish authorities do not directly criticize Trump, instead aiming to create the impression that they do not perceive his remarks about the necessity for the United States to purchase Greenland as a threat. Meanwhile, a number of politicians from other EU countries spoke out more categorically on Wednesday regarding Trump's words. For instance, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated that the European Union will not allow any foreign country to invade its borders, whoever it may be. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also affirmed the inviolability of EU borders.

On Wednesday, the Prime Minister of autonomous Greenland, Mute Egede, met with King Frederick X of Denmark. Earlier, media outlets highlighted the change in the design of the Danish royal coat of arms starting from the new year, where the symbols of Greenland and the Faroe Islands received a new honorable position, interpreting this as a response to Trump's claims.

No details have been disclosed regarding the content of the discussions between the Greenlandic leader and the king. Recently, in light of Trump's statements, Egede expressed the islanders' desire for independence. At the same time, he emphasized that the island "is not for sale."

The Danish Foreign Minister, commenting on the meeting, reiterated that the question of potential independence for Greenland should be decided by the Greenlanders. He also noted that he understands the United States' concerns regarding security in the Arctic and expressed readiness to deepen cooperation with Washington.

Trump has repeatedly expressed a desire to purchase Greenland from Denmark, calling it "absolutely essential" for American security. Denmark denies the possibility of a deal. At a press conference on January 7, the elected U.S. president was asked whether he ruled out the use of economic or military coercion to resolve this issue. He refused to exclude that, which raised additional concerns among EU representatives. Trump has also made statements about the possibility of Canada joining the U.S. and regaining control over the Panama Canal zone.

Current U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, commenting on Trump's statements, essentially dismissed them as unserious, saying it is not worth spending time discussing things that will not happen.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump Jr. visited Greenland on a private trip. He wrote on social media that the island's residents "love America and Trump."

Greenland is the world's largest island, with a population of only about 60,000 people. Greenland is a self-governing territory of the Danish Kingdom, with Denmark responsible for its defense and foreign relations.