European Troops Land in Greenland Amid Trump's Claims

Thu Jan 15 2026 17:23:38 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A French military contingent has arrived in Nuuk as European nations ramp up their military presence in response to US President Trump's interest in Greenland.

Recent events in Greenland have set the stage for increased military presence from European nations, with a 15-member French troop deployment marking the first step. This comes as US President Trump persists in his ambitious claims over the strategically important Arctic island. Both Danish and French leaders emphasize NATO’s commitment to supporting Greenland and countering potential threats, while local officials refute any desire for US ownership, asserting Greenland's preference for its current governance.

A 15-strong French military contingent has arrived in the Greenland capital Nuuk, as several European states send soldiers as part of a reconnaissance mission. The deployment, which will also include personnel from Germany, Sweden, Norway, and the UK, comes as US President Donald Trump continues to assert his claim over the Arctic island, a semi-autonomous part of Denmark.

French President Emmanuel Macron noted that the initial troop deployment would be bolstered with land, air, and sea assets in the coming days. Senior French diplomat Olivier Poivre d'Arvor remarked that this mission serves as a strong political signal, emphasizing NATO's presence.

The military movement follows discussions between Denmark, Greenland, and the US Vice-President JD Vance. While talks were seen as constructive, a 'fundamental disagreement' remains with Trump’s bid to buy Greenland. Trump recently reiterated that the island is vital for national security, suggesting that it may be a target for countries like Russia or China.

Amid these tensions, Poland's Prime Minister warned that any US military intervention could lead to a serious political disaster, and Russia expressed concern over NATO's increasing military posture in the Arctic.

This initial deployment involves only a handful of personnel aimed at Danish-led exercises named Operation Arctic Endurance; however, European nations are committed to a more permanent military footprint in Greenland.

While the US has a military base in Greenland, the European initiative signals that its allies also prioritize Arctic security. Leaders from Sweden, Norway, and Denmark have expressed shared concerns about territorial integrity and geopolitical stability in the region.

The Danish Defence Minister confirmed plans for a rotational military presence on the island, focusing on training activities with allied forces. Greenland's Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, emphasized that the territory will not be owned or governed by the United States, reflecting the aspirations of Greenland's residents.