• Multiple NATO countries including Sweden, Germany and Norway have begun sending military personnel to Greenland at Denmark’s request
• President Trump declared American control of the Arctic territory is vital for the Golden Dome missile defense system
• Danish Foreign Minister called talks with U.S. officials frank but acknowledged fundamental disagreements remain

COPENHAGEN, DENMARK (TDR) — Denmark and multiple NATO allies have launched Operation Arctic Endurance, deploying military personnel to Greenland as tensions escalate over President Donald Trump’s demands to acquire the strategic Arctic territory.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced Wednesday that Swedish armed forces officers had arrived in Greenland as part of a multinational deployment requested by Copenhagen. The personnel will prepare for expanded exercise activities designed to strengthen NATO’s Arctic footprint.

“Several officers from the Swedish Armed Forces are arriving in Greenland today. They are part of a group from several allied countries. Together, they will prepare for upcoming elements within the framework of the Danish exercise Operation Arctic Endurance.”

European Nations Rally Behind Denmark

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The Danish Ministry of Defense confirmed that increased military presence would include aircraft, naval vessels and soldiers from allied nations. Germany announced plans to deploy over a dozen reconnaissance troops Thursday, while Norway confirmed two military personnel would map out further cooperation. France, the Netherlands and Canada have also indicated participation in the operation.

Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen described the expanded military presence as essential given a security environment where no one can predict tomorrow’s developments.

“We will continue to strengthen our military presence in Greenland, but we will also have an even greater focus within NATO on more exercises and an increased NATO presence in the Arctic.”

Activities planned for Operation Arctic Endurance in 2026 include protecting critical infrastructure, assisting local authorities and police, receiving allied troops, deploying fighter aircraft and conducting naval operations throughout Greenlandic waters.

Trump Cites Golden Dome Defense System

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Hours before high-stakes talks at the White House, President Trump escalated his rhetoric, declaring American ownership of Greenland essential for national security and the Pentagon’s missile defense architecture.

“The United States needs Greenland for the purpose of National Security. It is vital for the Golden Dome that we are building. NATO should be leading the way for us to get it.”

Trump argued in his Truth Social post that NATO becomes more formidable with Greenland under American control, warning that Russia or China would seize the territory if the United States fails to act. The Golden Dome initiative represents a multibillion-dollar effort to protect American territory from ballistic, hypersonic and cruise missile threats.

Diplomatic Talks Yield Limited Progress

Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Wednesday with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen and Greenlandic Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt. The meeting produced agreement to establish a working group but failed to resolve fundamental differences.

Rasmussen told reporters the discussion was frank but constructive, though perspectives continue to differ markedly. He rejected any proposals that would compromise territorial integrity or the Greenlandic people’s right to self-determination.

Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen delivered a forceful statement Tuesday, declaring unequivocally that Greenland does not want American ownership, governance or statehood.

“Now we are faced with a geopolitical crisis, and if we have to choose between the USA and Denmark here and now, we choose Denmark. We choose NATO. We choose the Kingdom of Denmark.”

Strategic Competition Intensifies

The dispute over Operation Arctic Endurance and Greenland’s future unfolds against broader concerns about Arctic security. Defense analysts note that Russia and China have increased activity in the region, though Nordic diplomats told the Financial Times they have seen no evidence supporting Trump’s claims of extensive Russian and Chinese naval presence near the island.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized alliance unity on Arctic security while declining to comment on whether any member would support forceful American acquisition. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reiterated that Greenland belongs to its people and decisions about its future rest with Copenhagen and Nuuk alone.

With Operation Arctic Endurance now underway and both sides entrenched in their positions, can diplomatic engagement prevent this dispute from fracturing the Western alliance that both parties claim to value?

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