A small French military contingent has arrived in Greenland's capital Nuuk, officials say, as several European states deploy small numbers in a so-called reconnaissance mission. The limited deployment, which also involves Germany, Sweden, Norway, Finland, the Netherlands, and the UK, comes as US President Donald Trump continues to press his claim to the Arctic island, which is a semi-autonomous part of Denmark.
French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the initial contingent would be reinforced soon with 'land, air, and sea assets.' Senior diplomat Olivier Poivre d'Arvor emphasized that the mission would send a strong political signal, asserting that NATO's presence was confirmed.
Poivre d'Arvor revealed that initially, 15 French military personnel would participate, shortly after diplomatic meetings between Danish and Greenland's foreign ministers and US officials. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen acknowledged that while conversations were constructive, there remains a 'fundamental disagreement,' particularly regarding Trump's ambitions to purchase Greenland.
During a press briefing, Trump reaffirmed his claim over the island, stating that 'we need Greenland for national security,' and suggested that while he didn't rule out the use of force, he believed a deal could be struck with Denmark.
The political ramifications extend beyond the US, with Poland's Prime Minister asserting that any military intervention by the US could lead to disastrous consequences. Russian officials have similarly expressed concerns over NATO's military buildup in the Arctic, calling it a pretext fueled by fears regarding Moscow and Beijing.
The European deployment is modest, including around a dozen troops as part of Operation Arctic Endurance, a Danish-led initiative aimed at reinforcing NATO’s presence in the region amidst escalating global tensions. France and Germany's commitment has been emphasized as setting a precedent for shared responsibility of Greenland's defense among allied nations. Denmark has acknowledged the need for a stronger military positioning around Greenland to ensure both European and transatlantic security, resonating with Macron's assertion of European responsibility for the Arctic territory.
With Greenland's Prime Minister stating a clear preference for governance through Denmark over the US, the situation remains a complex intertwining of military strategy, national sovereignty, and international relations.
French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the initial contingent would be reinforced soon with 'land, air, and sea assets.' Senior diplomat Olivier Poivre d'Arvor emphasized that the mission would send a strong political signal, asserting that NATO's presence was confirmed.
Poivre d'Arvor revealed that initially, 15 French military personnel would participate, shortly after diplomatic meetings between Danish and Greenland's foreign ministers and US officials. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen acknowledged that while conversations were constructive, there remains a 'fundamental disagreement,' particularly regarding Trump's ambitions to purchase Greenland.
During a press briefing, Trump reaffirmed his claim over the island, stating that 'we need Greenland for national security,' and suggested that while he didn't rule out the use of force, he believed a deal could be struck with Denmark.
The political ramifications extend beyond the US, with Poland's Prime Minister asserting that any military intervention by the US could lead to disastrous consequences. Russian officials have similarly expressed concerns over NATO's military buildup in the Arctic, calling it a pretext fueled by fears regarding Moscow and Beijing.
The European deployment is modest, including around a dozen troops as part of Operation Arctic Endurance, a Danish-led initiative aimed at reinforcing NATO’s presence in the region amidst escalating global tensions. France and Germany's commitment has been emphasized as setting a precedent for shared responsibility of Greenland's defense among allied nations. Denmark has acknowledged the need for a stronger military positioning around Greenland to ensure both European and transatlantic security, resonating with Macron's assertion of European responsibility for the Arctic territory.
With Greenland's Prime Minister stating a clear preference for governance through Denmark over the US, the situation remains a complex intertwining of military strategy, national sovereignty, and international relations.
