NUUK, Greenland — A strategic European military deployment is underway in Greenland as NATO allies demonstrate solidarity with Denmark following contentious diplomatic talks with the Trump administration regarding the Arctic territory’s future. French, German, British, Norwegian, and Swedish forces have begun arriving in what defense officials characterize as a symbolic show of force against potential U.S. expansionist ambitions.
The development coincides with Wednesday’s high-level meeting in Washington between Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Greenlandic counterpart Vivian Motzfeldt, and White House representatives including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rasmussen subsequently acknowledged “fundamental disagreement” persists regarding President Trump’s expressed interest in acquiring Greenland.
Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen confirmed plans to establish “a more permanent military presence with a larger Danish contribution,” with NATO partners participating through a rotational troop system. The enhanced security measures include increased aerial patrols, naval vessels, and ground personnel operating across Greenland’s strategic territories.
French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed initial military elements were already en route, with approximately 15 mountain infantry soldiers arriving in Nuuk for exercises. Germany’s Defense Ministry announced plans to deploy a 13-member reconnaissance team on Thursday, characterizing the movement as defensive coordination among European partners.
Greenlandic residents expressed mixed reactions to the geopolitical developments. While some welcomed European military support as protection against potential U.S. action, others questioned the underlying motivations. Local resident Maya Martinsen, 21, observed the dispute centered primarily on “the oils and minerals that we have that are untouched” rather than genuine security concerns.
Diplomatic channels remain active despite tensions, with Rasmussen announcing creation of a bilateral working group to address American security concerns while respecting Denmark’s territorial sovereignty. Greenlandic MP Aki-Matilda Høegh-Dam acknowledged the necessity of continued dialogue while expressing concerns about military operations occurring near civilian infrastructure.
The situation reflects broader transformations in the international rules-based order, with Greenland emerging as a pivotal point in Arctic geopolitics. While Rasmussen dismissed speculation about U.S. military invasion as “the end of NATO,” the Trump administration maintained ambiguous positioning, with the president remarking “We’ll see how it all works out” regarding future developments.