European troops have begun arriving in Greenland as tensions persist between Washington and Copenhagen over the future of the strategically important Arctic island, despite diplomatic talks failing to bridge deep divisions.
European Forces Move In as Washington Stands Firm
Military personnel from several European countries, including France, Germany, Sweden and Norway, have landed in Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, as part of a reconnaissance and training mission coordinated with Denmark. The deployments are framed by European governments as a response to rising security concerns in the Arctic, particularly linked to Russian and Chinese activity in the region.
The White House, however, has dismissed any suggestion that the arrival of European troops could influence US policy. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the deployments would have no effect on President Donald Trump’s long-standing ambition to bring Greenland under US control, stressing that his position remains unchanged.
Germany confirmed it had sent a small Bundeswehr reconnaissance team at Denmark’s invitation, while France announced plans to reinforce its presence with additional land, air and naval assets in the coming days.
Talks End Without Breakthrough
The military movements came just hours after senior officials from the United States, Denmark and Greenland met in Washington for high-level talks that ultimately failed to resolve what Danish leaders described as a fundamental disagreement.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said after leaving the White House that a US takeover of Greenland was “absolutely not necessary,” adding that Denmark had been unable to shift the American position. While acknowledging continued dialogue, he made clear that Copenhagen and Washington remain sharply divided on the issue.
Greenland’s leaders have echoed Denmark’s stance, emphasizing the island’s autonomy and its place within existing security arrangements, rather than any change in sovereignty.
Trump Signals Slightly Softer Tone
President Trump, who did not attend the Washington meeting, struck a more conciliatory note than usual when speaking afterward. While again refusing to rule out any options regarding Greenland, he said he had a “very good relationship with Denmark” and suggested that a solution could eventually be found.
At the same time, Trump repeated his argument that Denmark would be unable to defend Greenland alone if major powers such as Russia or China sought to exert control, reinforcing his view that the island is vital to US security interests.
As NATO allies increase their presence on the ground and diplomatic tensions linger, Greenland is emerging as a focal point in a broader struggle over influence, security and power in the rapidly changing Arctic.
