Denmark warns of interference from Russia, US in its election

Denmark’s intelligence services have warned that foreign powers may seek to interfere in the country’s March 24 general election, singling out Russia as the primary threat but also flagging the US and China as potential sources of influence.In a statement published on Friday night, the Danish Security and Intelligence Service said it was “highly likely” that Denmark was a prioritised target for Russian influence activities due to the Nordic nation’s support for Ukraine. It also cited rising tensions over Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory within the Denmark" class="entity-link entity-location" data-entity-id="8319" data-entity-type="location">Kingdom of Denmark, saying the US bid to take control of the Arctic island had fuelled misinformation that could cloud the vote.“The US focus on the Kingdom has furthermore created new international lines of conflict that foreign states such as Russia and China can exploit for influence purposes,” the agency said.Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called an early election for March 24 to capitalise on a surge in support stemming from a stand-off with US President Donald Trump over Greenland.A Danish military frigate docked in the port of Nuuk, Greenland, on Thursday. Photo: AFPThe Danish ballot will test voter sentiment on dealing with the president just as Europe’s relations with the US are at their worst in decades. The rupture in relations after Trump in early January revived claims over the Arctic territory has bolstered Frederiksen’s domestic standing, reinforcing her image as a disciplined and steady leader during periods of national strain.