Denmark and Greenland have announced a “fundamental disagreement” with the United States regarding the future of Greenland, a self-governing territory of Denmark. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen stated on Wednesday (January 13) that the disagreement persists despite recent talks in Washington with U.S. Vice-President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
President Donald Trump has expressed a desire for the U.S. to take control of Greenland, citing national security concerns and the strategic importance of the island. Trump argues that acquiring Greenland would strengthen NATO and prevent Russia and China from gaining influence in the region. However, Denmark and Greenland remain opposed to this idea.
The two sides have agreed to form a high-level working group to explore potential solutions. Rasmussen emphasized that the group should focus on addressing U.S. security concerns while respecting Denmark’s boundaries. Greenland’s foreign minister, Vivian Motzfeldt, expressed hope that the talks would lead to a resolution without compromising Greenland’s autonomy.
In response to U.S. pressure, Denmark plans to increase its military presence in the Arctic and North Atlantic, working closely with NATO allies. Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen announced the deployment of additional aircraft, ships, and soldiers to Greenland. This move aims to strengthen security in the region amid rising geopolitical tensions.
Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen reaffirmed the territory’s allegiance to Denmark and NATO, stating that they would choose Denmark over the U.S. if forced to decide. Despite these tensions, both Denmark and Greenland remain committed to finding a diplomatic solution that respects their sovereignty and maintains strong ties with the United States.
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