The White House made a clear statement on Thursday. European troop deployments to Greenland will not change President Donald Trump's plans. He wants to take control of the Arctic island from Denmark.
White House Dismisses European Military Presence
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed reporters during a briefing. She was asked about the new European military presence in Greenland. "I don't think troops in Europe impact the president's decision-making process," Leavitt stated firmly. "Nor does it impact his goal of the acquisition of Greenland at all."
Her comments arrived at a critical moment. European NATO countries had just started sending military personnel to the strategic Arctic territory. This move immediately drew a sharp response from Russia.
A Fundamental Disagreement Remains
The troop deployment follows a recent high-level meeting in Washington. Officials from the US, Denmark, and Greenland attended. The talks failed to resolve what Denmark calls a "fundamental disagreement" over Greenland's future.
Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark. President Trump has said repeatedly that the United States needs to seize it for security reasons.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen also spoke on Thursday. She announced that a "working group" would be established. This group will discuss ways to strengthen Arctic security. However, Frederiksen stressed this initiative would not solve the core dispute.
"The American ambition to take over Greenland remains intact," Frederiksen said. She described the situation as "a serious matter." According to AFP, she added that Denmark would continue working to prevent such a scenario.
NATO Forces Arrive in Nuuk
France, Germany, Sweden, and Norway have all announced deployments. Military personnel are heading to Greenland's capital, Nuuk. This is part of a reconnaissance mission.
Greenland's Deputy Prime Minister, Mute Egede, confirmed the news. He said NATO forces will have a greater presence on the island in the coming days. AFP reported his statement. Egede mentioned increased military flights and naval activity. He clarified that the troops would be there for "training" purposes.
Mission Goals and Russian Reaction
Germany's defence ministry explained the mission's intent. It aims to examine ways to ensure Arctic security. This is in direct response to what they term "Russian and Chinese threats."
French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed the first French military personnel are already en route.
Russia reacted strongly to these developments. The Russian embassy in Belgium issued a statement. It said the expanding NATO presence in Greenland is "of serious concern." The embassy accused the alliance of building up forces under a "false pretext" of threats from Moscow and Beijing.
Trump's Stance Fuels Tensions
President Trump has consistently argued his case for acquiring Greenland. He warns that if the United States does not take control, "China or Russia will."
These remarks have heightened tensions within the NATO alliance. They have also raised significant concerns among Greenland's residents. Many fear becoming caught in a broader geopolitical confrontation between major powers.
The situation remains fluid. The White House insists its objectives are unchanged. European allies are bolstering their Arctic presence. Denmark continues to defend its territory. All eyes are on Greenland as this strategic dispute unfolds.
