NATO allies intensify Arctic presence in Greenland amid Trump’s territorial ambitions

WASHINGTON (TNND) — Troops from five European countries were deployed to Greenland for a two-day mission meant to strengthen NATO allies’ “footprint in the Arctic” in light of President Donald Trump’s escalating calls to take control of the Danish territory.

“The geopolitical tensions have spread to the Arctic. The Government of Greenland, and the Danish Ministry of Defense have therefore decided to continue the Danish Armed Forces’ increased exercise activity in Greenland, in close cooperation with NATO allies,” the Danish Ministry of Defense said in a statement shared Wednesday.

“From today, there will be an expanded military presence in and around Greenland — in close cooperation with NATO allies,” the statement continued.

“The purpose is to train the ability to operate under the unique Arctic conditions and to strengthen the alliance’s footprint in the Arctic, benefiting both European and transatlantic security.”

France, Germany, Sweden and Norway all deployed troops to Greenland on Thursday; although the number of troops is small. Germany contributed a 13-man reconnaissance unit, France deployed 15 troops trained in mountain operations, Sweden sent three officers, Norway sent two and the United Kingdom sent one, according to Reuters.

“As part of the NATO alliance, it is a core priority for the Government of Greenland, that defense and security in and around Greenland are strengthened, and that this is achieved in close cooperation with our NATO allies,” Greenland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Research Vivan Motzfeldt said. “The Danish Ministry of Defence and the Government of Greenland, are working closely together to launch initiatives and cooperation among both our Arctic and European allies.”

The deployment comes a day after Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Motzfeldt and Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, in which they all agreed to work together to address Trump’s concerns over access to mineral resource access. However, Rasmussen said a “fundamental disagreement” still existed with Trump over Greenland.