France and European Allies Step Up Military Presence in Greenland
France has announced plans to deploy troops to Greenland for joint military exercises. The drills will focus on cold-weather and mountain warfare operations. The exercise will be conducted alongside Denmark and several other European countries.
According to the French Armed Forces Ministry, the mission will include specialised mountain warfare units. Details about troop numbers and the exact mandate have not yet been disclosed. These details are expected during French President Emmanuel Macron’s annual address to the armed forces. The address will take place on Thursday at the Istres air base in southern France.
The move comes as Arctic security gains global attention. Greenland’s strategic location has made it a focal point for military planning. European nations are increasing cooperation to strengthen their presence in the region.
Denmark has also confirmed it is reinforcing its military deployment in Greenland. Danish authorities said additional units and capabilities were being deployed immediately. These deployments are directly linked to the ongoing and upcoming exercise activities.
Sweden has joined the effort as well. Swedish officials confirmed that military officers have been sent to Greenland. Their role is to participate in coordinated drills with European partners.
Germany has also announced its involvement. German forces will be present in Greenland from Thursday to Saturday. The deployment is described as a reconnaissance mission. German soldiers will operate alongside other European allies to support Denmark’s security efforts.
Trump Says Denmark Cannot Protect Greenland From Global Rivals
US President Donald Trump has renewed controversial comments about Greenland’s security. He said Denmark cannot adequately defend Greenland from Russia and China. Trump claimed the United States should control the territory for national security reasons.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump dismissed Denmark’s recent military efforts. He mocked the use of dog sled patrols as insufficient. He said such measures would not stop major global powers.
Trump argued that Greenland is critical for US national security. He warned that if the US does not act, Russia and China could expand their influence. He claimed Denmark would be unable to prevent such moves.
“We need Greenland for national security,” Trump said. He added that the US has the capability to protect the territory. He insisted Denmark does not.
These comments have sparked diplomatic tension. Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. Both Denmark and Greenland have repeatedly rejected any suggestion of US control.
Diplomatic Talks Fail to Shift US Position
Trump’s remarks followed a high-level meeting at the White House. US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio attended the talks. Denmark was represented by Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen. Greenland’s Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt was also present.
After the meeting, Rasmussen said Denmark failed to change the US stance. He said it was clear that Trump still wants control over Greenland. Rasmussen stressed that this desire runs against the interests of Denmark and its kingdom.
He said Danish officials made their position very clear during the talks. Greenland, he stated, is not for sale and will not be taken over. The issue remains a sensitive matter in Danish-American relations.
Despite disagreements, both sides agreed on limited cooperation. Denmark and the United States will form a high-level working group. The group will explore possible paths forward on Arctic security and cooperation.
As military activity increases, Greenland remains at the center of geopolitical attention. European drills and US statements signal growing competition in the Arctic. The coming months are expected to bring further diplomatic and strategic developments.
