NATO allies deploy troops to Greenland amid Trump’s push for U.S. control of Danish territory
By Sabiu Abdullahi
Several members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) have commenced the deployment of military personnel to Greenland following growing diplomatic strain between the United States and its European partners over the future of the Arctic territory.
Denmark, which holds responsibility for Greenland’s defence, confirmed that troops and military hardware were moved to the island under “Operation Arctic Endurance,” a multinational exercise designed to reinforce security collaboration in the region.
France, Germany, Sweden and Norway have all announced plans to dispatch limited numbers of military officers and reconnaissance units to Greenland.
According to CNBC, the teams will participate in coordinated drills on the sparsely populated island.
French President Emmanuel Macron disclosed on social media that French forces had already begun relocating to Greenland and that further deployments would follow.
Sweden’s Prime Minister, Ulf Kristersson, also verified that Swedish officers would take part in the Danish-led exercises alongside other NATO partners.
The troop movements followed high-level talks in Washington involving Danish and Greenlandic officials as well as senior United States government figures, including Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Before the meetings, President Donald Trump restated his position that the United States “needs Greenland” for national security reasons.
His comments raised concern in both Copenhagen and Nuuk.Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen described the discussions at the White House as “frank but constructive.”
He, however, admitted that a “fundamental disagreement” remained regarding the future of the island.“It’s clear that the president has this wish of conquering over Greenland,” Rasmussen said, while reaffirming Denmark’s stance on Greenland’s sovereignty.
Greenland’s authorities, with backing from Denmark and other European partners, have consistently dismissed any proposal that suggests American ownership or direct control.
They insist that defence arrangements should operate within NATO structures and follow international legal standards.
Recent opinion polls show that most Greenlanders oppose U.S. control. A significant majority also favours eventual independence from Denmark.
Denmark has announced additional plans to expand its military footprint around Greenland. The programme includes the deployment of aircraft, naval vessels and more troops.
Defence officials said the measures aim to enhance routine security and reassure residents amid increasing geopolitical pressures.
Although the United States already operates military facilities on the island through long-standing agreements, Trump’s renewed advocacy for greater control has unsettled European leaders. Many fear that any attempt to alter Greenland’s status could undermine NATO unity and international norms.
On Wednesday, Trump again insisted that Americans “need Greenland for the purpose of National Security.”
He warned that Russia or China might seek control of the territory if the U.S. and its allies failed to act.