Minister for Foreign Affairs of Denmark Lars Lokke Rasmussen, left, and Greenland Minister of Foreign Affairs Vivian Motzfeldt speak to the media following a meeting with members of the Senate Arctic Caucus in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. Several NATO countries have announced sending troops to Greenland. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo
Several European countries sent troops to Greenland for exercises after Wednesday’s meeting between Greenland and Denmark envoys and Vice President JD Vance.
The United States, Denmark and Greenland agreed to create a high-level working group to discuss the future of the island at the meeting. But the three weren’t able to find a diplomatic resolution to the tensions created by President Donald Trump’s regular threats to take the island by force.
“It was not an easy meeting,” Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said in a Facebook post. “There is a fundamental disagreement because the American ambition to take over Greenland is intact. It is, of course, serious and therefore we continue our efforts to prevent that scenario from becoming a reality.”
The Danish Ministry of Defense published a notice Wednesday saying that the government was deploying troops to the area.
“As part of the increased presence in the Arctic and North Atlantic, the Danish Armed Forces are, from today, deploying capabilities and units related to the exercise activities. In the period ahead, this will result in an increased military presence in and around Greenland, comprising aircraft, vessels and soldiers, including from NATO allies,” the notice said.
“The exercise activities in 2026 could include guarding critical infrastructure, providing assistance to local authorities in Greenland, including the police, receiving allied troops, deploying fighter aircraft in and around Greenland, and conducting naval operations,” it said.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced on X that French personnel will participate in Operation Arctic Endurance.
“At the request of Denmark, I have decided that France will participate in the joint exercises organized by Denmark in Greenland, Operation Arctic Endurance,” Macron said. “The first French military elements are already on their way. Others will follow.”
“Attacking another NATO member would make no sense, it would even be contrary to the interests of the United States … and so this blackmail must obviously stop,” French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on RTL radio Wednesday, CNN reported.
Germany announced it was sending 13 members of a reconnaissance team to Nuuk, Greenland, “to explore ways of ensuring security in light of Russian and Chinese threats in the Arctic. This is being done at the invitation of and under the leadership of our Danish allies.”
Germany said it was sending the team via a Danish civilian aircraft.
“From our perspective, this joint flight is a strong sign of our unity,” the announcement said.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced 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.”
NATO countries have regularly conducted training in Greenland in preparation for arctic missions. The United States has Pituffik Space Base, formerly Thule Air Force Base, on the northwest coast of Greenland. But the timing of the exercises and participation of so many allies may signal higher tensions.
Canada and France have announced they’re opening consulates in Greenland.
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