News|Donald TrumpDenmark sends more troops to Greenland amid tensions with TrumpNordic country dispatches ‘substantial contribution’ of troops to the Arctic territory amid standoff with Washington.
Denmark has increased its military presence in Greenland in response to recent statements by the United States. The Royal Danish Army, led by Chief Peter Boysen, deployed a significant number of troops, landing in Kangerlussuaq on Mon, Jan 18, 2026. This…
Denmark has increased its military presence in Greenland in response to recent statements by the United States. The Royal Danish Army, led by Chief Peter Boysen, deployed a significant number of troops, landing in Kangerlussuaq on Mon, Jan 18, 2026. This move was reported by Danish media, including public broadcaster DR.
TV2 reported that 58 Danish troops arrived in the Arctic region, joining approximately 60 others participating in Operation Arctic Endurance, a multinational military exercise. The Danish Ministry of Defence and the Danish Armed Forces have not yet provided comments on the deployment.
The deployment followed statements from the US President regarding the possible use of military force to control Greenland, citing its strategic importance for US security. During an interview with NBC News, the President declined to comment on the potential use of force.
Denmark has indicated a willingness to consider an increased US military presence in Greenland but has consistently stated that the territory is not for sale. Any attempt to seize Greenland by force could have serious implications for NATO, as Article 5 of its charter treats an attack on one member as an attack on all. This issue has strained relations between the US and European allies, raising concerns about transatlantic security cooperation.
Denmark has increased its military presence in Greenland in response to recent statements by the United States.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte met with Danish Minister of Defence Troels Lund Poulsen and Greenland's minister of foreign affairs, Vivian Motzfeldt, to discuss Arctic security enhancements. Discussions included proposals for a joint NATO mission in the region. Rutte emphasized the importance of the Arctic for collective security and noted Denmark's increasing defense investments.
Concurrently, tensions have escalated regarding trade relations. The US President's threat to impose tariffs on Denmark and other European countries has prompted the European Union to schedule an emergency meeting on Thu, Jan 21, 2026. The EU is considering retaliatory tariffs and may activate its Anti-Coercion Instrument, which could impose restrictions on US tech firms operating within the EU.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the need to respect the sovereignty of Denmark and Greenland during discussions with US diplomats at the Davos summit. She reiterated the EU's commitment to maintaining strong transatlantic ties and collaborating with NATO and allies to further shared security objectives.
A poll conducted by Danish paper Berlingske previously indicated that 85% of Greenland's residents oppose joining the US, with only 6% in favor.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.