Several European countries have begun gradually sending troops to Greenland to join patrol missions and send a signal to Donald Trump, who has declared his interest in acquiring the territory for security reasons.
Foreign news agencies report that a small French military force has arrived in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, while several European countries have started deploying personnel to the territory to take part in what they call a “patrol mission.”
European countries involved include Germany, Sweden, Norway, Finland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. This move follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of his desire to acquire Greenland, citing security reasons for both the U.S. and the region, without ruling out military action.
French President Emmanuel Macron said the first group of troops would soon be reinforced with "land, air, and naval equipment."
Meanwhile, Olivier Poivre d’Arvor, a senior French diplomat, revealed that the initial French deployment consists of 15 personnel. He described the mission as a strong political signal, stating, "This is the first exercise... We will show the U.S. that NATO is still here."
This troop reinforcement occurred just hours after the foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland traveled to Washington to meet with U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris on Wednesday to seek a resolution on Greenland, but the result was that both sides remain in "complete disagreement."
Donald Trump reiterated his desire to bring Greenland under U.S. control again, telling reporters in the Oval Office, "We need Greenland for national security," but added he believes a solution can be found with Denmark.
"The problem is Denmark can do nothing if Russia or China wants to take over Greenland, but we can do everything. You saw that with the Venezuela case last week," he said.
This NATO member deployment in Greenland is part of a Denmark-led joint exercise called "Operation Arctic Endurance." Although this move carries significant symbolic weight, it remains unclear how long the troops will be stationed there.
Finland has sent two military liaison officers to Greenland to conduct fact-finding missions during Operation Arctic Endurance, which is still in the planning stage.
"At this point, we have not ruled out any possibilities, but we have not considered any specific plans either," said Janne Kuusela, head of policy at Finland’s Ministry of Defense, to the BBC.
Germany dispatched an A400M transport aircraft to Nuuk on Thursday, carrying 13 personnel; however, officials stated they will remain in Greenland only until Saturday.
Danish defense officials said they have decided, in agreement with the Greenland government, to increase military presence around Greenland in the coming period to enhance "NATO’s role in the Arctic for the benefit of the security of Europe and transatlantic allies."
The Swedish military sent troops to Nuuk on Wednesday. In addition, two Norwegian soldiers, one British soldier, and one Dutch naval officer have also been deployed to Greenland.
The U.S. already has a military base in Greenland, currently hosting up to 150 personnel, with the option to send many more under existing agreements with the Danish government.
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Source:bbc