By SUNTV Global Channel | January 15, 2026
Several NATO member states have begun deploying troops and military equipment to Greenland, escalating international attention on the strategic Arctic territory amid renewed pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has again insisted that the United States “needs Greenland” for national security.
Denmark, which retains responsibility for Greenland’s defence, confirmed the deployment under “Operation Arctic Endurance,” a Danish-led multinational military exercise designed to boost security cooperation and reassure the island’s population.
According to Danish authorities, the operation includes troops, surveillance units and military assets from France, Germany, Sweden and Norway, with more personnel expected to arrive in the coming days. The exercises will focus on reconnaissance, coordination and Arctic readiness in one of the world’s most strategically sensitive regions.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced that French forces had already begun moving into Greenland, while Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson confirmed that Swedish officers would take part in the joint drills alongside other NATO allies.
The troop deployments follow high-level talks in Washington involving Danish and Greenlandic officials and senior U.S. leaders, including Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The discussions came after Trump publicly revived his long-standing interest in bringing Greenland under U.S. control.
Speaking after the meeting, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen described the talks as “frank but constructive,” but admitted there remained a “fundamental disagreement” over Trump’s stance.
“It is clear that the president has this wish of taking over Greenland,” Rasmussen said, stressing that Denmark’s position on Greenland’s sovereignty remains non-negotiable.
Greenland’s government, backed by Denmark and European partners, has repeatedly rejected any proposal suggesting U.S. ownership or control of the island. Officials in Nuuk insist that Arctic security must be handled within the NATO framework and in full respect of international law.
Public opinion in Greenland also strongly opposes U.S. control, with polls showing overwhelming resistance to any foreign takeover and broad support for eventual independence from Denmark.
Denmark has announced plans to increase its own military presence in and around Greenland, deploying additional aircraft, naval vessels and troops alongside allied forces. Defence officials say the expanded footprint is necessary to strengthen security and reassure residents amid growing geopolitical tensions.
While the United States already operates military facilities on Greenland under long-standing defence agreements, Trump’s latest remarks have unsettled European leaders, who fear that any attempt to alter Greenland’s status could undermine NATO unity and established international norms.
In a statement posted Wednesday on his Truth Social account, Trump declared that U.S. control of Greenland was essential.
“The United States needs Greenland for the purpose of National Security. It is vital for the Golden Dome that we are building,” Trump wrote, warning that Russia or China could otherwise seek influence over the territory.
He concluded by dismissing compromise solutions, stating that “anything less than U.S. control is unacceptable.”
As allied forces continue arriving in Greenland, diplomatic efforts to ease tensions remain ongoing. However, the growing military presence underscores deepening divisions over sovereignty, security and the future of one of the world’s most strategically important regions.
— SUNTV Global Channel
