Several European nations have recently sent troops to boost the security of the Danish autonomous territory amid US threats to acquire it
RT: A plane with Bundeswehr soldiers can be seen after landing on 16 January 2026, Greenland, Nuuk. © Julia Wäschenbach/picture alliance via Getty Images
Germany’s
initial deployment of 15 soldiers to Greenland has wrapped up, German
Armed Force spokesman Lt. Col. Peter Milevchuk has told Funke media
group. He said cooperation with Danish counterparts had been both
positive and constructive.
On Wednesday, Denmark announced a
military exercise on the island. Several European countries – including
Germany, France, Sweden, Norway and the UK – said they would take part,
each sending between one and 15 personnel. The move followed talks
between Denmark, Greenland, and the US that ended in what officials
described as a “fundamental disagreement” between the Trump administration and its European allies over the autonomous territory.
“The results of the reconnaissance will be analyzed in the coming days,” Milevchuk said, adding that the German team had completed its mission.
In recent weeks, US President Donald Trump has intensified efforts to
bring Greenland under Washington’s control, a goal he has pursued since
his first term. Trump argues that the acquisition is crucial for US
national security in order to counter Chinese and Russian influence in
the Arctic – an assertion rejected by both Beijing and Moscow.
The
US president has repeatedly mocked the Danish military presence on
Greenland, claiming that they are inadequate for the world’s largest
island and quipping that it is only defended by “two dog sleds.”
Trump escalated tensions earlier this week by announcing additional
tariffs on US trading partners that refuse to support his push to
acquire Greenland.
The move drew strong criticism from European
leaders. French President Emmanuel Macron called the tariff threats
unacceptable and promised a “united and coordinated” response.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the threats would harm
transatlantic ties and reiterated EU solidarity with Denmark and
Greenland. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the tariffs as “completely wrong,” saying they undermine NATO, and pledging direct talks with the US.