Nuuk, Greenland:
Troops from several European countries continued arriving in Greenland on Thursday, signalling strong support for Denmark amid ongoing talks with the United States that exposed deep disagreements over the Arctic island’s future.
The dispute sharpened after the White House described the latest round of discussions with Danish and Greenlandic officials as “technical talks on the acquisition agreement” — a phrase that alarmed European leaders and sharply contrasted with Denmark’s characterisation of the discussions.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said the meetings were intended to function as a working group aimed at managing differences, particularly U.S. security concerns, while respecting Denmark’s sovereignty over Greenland.
“The group, in our view, should focus on how to address the American security concerns, while at the same time respecting the red lines of the Kingdom of Denmark,” Rasmussen said after Wednesday’s meeting in Washington.
European Military Support Grows
Ahead of the talks, Denmark announced it would strengthen its military presence in Greenland. In response, several European partners — including France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden and the Netherlands — began deploying symbolic troop contingents or committed to sending forces in the coming days.
The deployments were intended to demonstrate European unity and convey to U.S. President Donald Trump that an American takeover of Greenland is unnecessary, as NATO allies can collectively safeguard Arctic security amid growing Russian and Chinese interest in the region.
However, the troop movements did little to change Washington’s stance.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said the European deployments had no impact on the president’s position.
“The president has made his priority quite clear — he wants the United States to acquire Greenland. He believes it is in America’s best national security interest,” she said.
France, Germany Step Up Presence
French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that French military personnel were already en route to Greenland, with more to follow. French authorities said around 15 mountain infantry soldiers had arrived in Nuuk to participate in a military exercise.
Germany also announced it would deploy a 13-member reconnaissance team to Greenland on Thursday.
Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said the goal was to establish a more permanent military presence, with rotating troops from multiple NATO countries.
“From today and in the coming time there will be an increased military presence in and around Greenland of aircraft, ships and soldiers, including from other NATO allies,” Poulsen said, adding that the security situation in the Arctic remains unpredictable.
Greenland Rejects US Ownership
Despite the military developments, Greenland’s leaders reiterated their firm opposition to any transfer of sovereignty.
Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen welcomed continued diplomacy but made his position unmistakably clear.
“Greenland is not for sale. Greenland does not want to be owned by the United States. Greenland does not want to be governed from the United States,” he said.
Residents in Nuuk expressed mixed emotions — relief that talks had begun, but anxiety about the underlying tensions. Some viewed the increased European military presence as a protective measure against potential U.S. action, even though European officials have not suggested any intent to deter Washington militarily.
Local Voices and Arctic Concerns
Maya Martinsen, a 21-year-old resident of Nuuk, said the arrival of Nordic troops was reassuring.
“It’s comforting to know that the Nordic countries are sending reinforcements,” she said, adding that the dispute was less about security and more about Greenland’s untapped oil and mineral resources.
Poulsen said the military buildup was essential given the evolving geopolitical environment and confirmed that NATO was studying ways to further strengthen Arctic security, although the alliance declined to comment on coordination specifics.
Russia Criticises NATO Moves
Russia responded sharply to the developments. Its embassy in Brussels accused NATO of pursuing “bellicose plans” driven by what it called “phantom threats,” describing the troop deployments as part of an anti-Russian and anti-Chinese agenda.
Moscow reiterated its position that the Arctic should remain a zone of peace and cooperation.
Dialogue Continues Despite Tensions
Rasmussen said that while the creation of a working group was “better than no working group,” it did not mean the crisis had passed. Greenlandic and Danish officials also met with U.S. lawmakers on Capitol Hill, receiving assurances of bipartisan support.
Some U.S. lawmakers — including Republicans — have expressed concern that forcing the issue could strain or destabilise NATO.
Trump, speaking from the Oval Office, struck a more ambiguous note.
“We’ll see how it all works out. I think something will work out,” he said.