Web Desk (MNN); Troops from several European countries continued to deploy to Greenland on Thursday in a show of solidarity with Denmark, as talks involving Denmark, Greenland and the United States exposed deep differences over the Arctic island’s future.
The disagreement became more pronounced when the White House described upcoming discussions with Danish and Greenlandic officials as technical talks focused on a potential agreement for the United States to acquire Greenland. Danish officials, however, characterised the discussions as a working group aimed at resolving differences.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said the group should concentrate on addressing American security concerns while respecting Denmark’s sovereignty and red lines.
Ahead of the talks, Denmark announced plans to expand its military presence in Greenland. Several European partners, including France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden and the Netherlands, began deploying small contingents of troops or pledged support in the coming days.
The troop deployments were intended to demonstrate European unity and signal that NATO, as a collective force, can ensure Arctic security without a US takeover, amid growing Russian and Chinese interest in the region.
However, the White House said the European presence would not alter President Donald Trump’s objective. Spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt stated that the US president remains committed to acquiring Greenland, viewing it as vital to American national security.
Following meetings at the White House with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Rasmussen said a fundamental disagreement with the United States remained, but dialogue would continue in the coming weeks.
France confirmed that its first military personnel had already arrived in Greenland, while Germany announced it would deploy a reconnaissance team. Denmark also said NATO countries would rotate troops through Greenland as part of a more permanent security arrangement.
Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen reiterated that the island was not for sale and rejected any notion of becoming part of the United States, stressing Greenland’s desire for self-determination.
Local residents expressed mixed reactions, welcoming continued diplomacy and European support while remaining uneasy about US intentions. Danish officials maintained that increased military presence was necessary due to unpredictable security conditions in the Arctic.
Russia criticised the Western troop movements, accusing NATO of pursuing anti-Russian and anti-Chinese agendas and warning against militarisation of the Arctic.
Despite concerns, Danish leaders said the establishment of a working group marked a positive step, although risks remained. Talks with US lawmakers in Washington also underscored Denmark’s effort to preserve dialogue while safeguarding Greenland’s status.
