In recent days, Greenland has emerged as a geopolitical hotspot given its strategic importance. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed a firm desire to take over Greenland, ignoring the stern calls from Danish authorities.
On Wednesday, a high-stakes White House meeting took place on the future of Greenland between Denmark officials and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance.
Unfortunately, the highly-anticipated talks failed to produce constructive outcomes over the fate of Arctic territory.
Soon after the meeting, Trump once again reiterated the desire to annex resource-rich islands for national security, a position that ignited tensions with NATO.
Before the meeting, Denmark announced plans to increase its military presence in and around Greenland coupled with military exercises.
In the backdrop of tense talks with White House, several NATO countries are set to deploy the troops to Greenland, aiming to boost the security of the territory in question.
During a news conference Greenland’s Deputy Prime Minister Mute Egede said “Soldiers of NATO are expected to be more present in Greenland from today and in the coming days. It is expected that there will be more military flights and ships.”
Operation Arctic Endurance
Germany
Germany has announced plans to send a small group of soldiers to Greenland as a part of a joint Arctic mission.
According to Germany’s Defense Ministry, “It intends to deploy a reconnaissance team of 13 personnel to Nuuk, Greenland, at the invitation of Denmark.”
Under this operation, the framework for potential military contributions would be explored, thereby beefing up the region’s security and maritime surveillance capabilities.
France
France troops are also heading towards Greenland on the request of Denmark.
Taking to X, French president Emmanuel Macron posted, “The first French military elements are already on their way. Others will follow.”
“They are part of a group from several allied countries. Together, they will prepare for upcoming elements within the framework of the Danish exercise Operation Arctic Endurance,” the post reads.
On Thursday, France also convened an emergency defense cabinet meeting to discuss the situation in Greenland.
Sweden
Besides France, Sweden also pledged to send several troops from armed forces to Greenland.
Swedish PM Ulf Kristersson posted on X, “Several officers from the Swedish Armed Forces are arriving in Greenland today. They are part of a group from several allied countries.”
“Together, they will prepare for upcoming elements within the framework of the Danish exercise Operation Arctic Endurance. It is at Denmark’s request that Sweden is sending personnel from the Armed Forces,” PM added.
Norway
Norway, a NATO country, is also sending troops to the Arctic territory aiming to maintain security in the midst of escalating tensions with the US.
Despite US’ repeated calls to acquire the territory either a hard way or easy way, Denmark said that the island is not for sale.
Prominent EU countries have thrown their weight behind Denmark with a warning that any military intervention from the US side could cause the end of NATO.
