Denmark's foreign minister has said there is a 'fundamental disagreement' with the US over Greenland after talks at the White House. Lars Lokke Rasmussen stated that the meeting with Vice-President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio had been 'frank but constructive.' However, he added that US President Trump was insisting on 'conquering' Greenland, which was 'totally unacceptable.' Rasmussen remarked, 'We made it very, very clear that this is not in the interest of [Denmark].' Following the meeting, Trump reiterated his interest in acquiring the resource-rich island, a position that has unsettled allies across Europe and raised tensions with NATO.
Despite the hour-long discussions failing to yield significant breakthroughs, the three sides agree to establish a high-level working group to discuss the future of Greenland. Rasmussen underscored that there were 'red lines' that the US could not cross, but also indicated that Denmark and Greenland were open to the US expanding military presence on the island.
Greenland's geostrategic location between North America and the Arctic is seen as vital for early warning systems against potential missile threats and monitoring activities in the region. This has led Trump to assert that securing Greenland is essential for US national security. Currently, the US maintains a base in Greenland operated since World War II, with further military cooperation under existing agreements.
The Danish government has expressed a commitment to enhancing military presence in Greenland, stating it would act 'in close cooperation with allies.' Countries like Sweden and France have already shown willingness to support Denmark by pledging military assistance or establishing diplomatic ties to bolster security arrangements in Greenland. The ongoing tensions highlight a significant geopolitical flashpoint in the Arctic as the US and its European allies navigate the complexities surrounding Greenland's future amid Trump's continuing focus on the territory.
Despite the hour-long discussions failing to yield significant breakthroughs, the three sides agree to establish a high-level working group to discuss the future of Greenland. Rasmussen underscored that there were 'red lines' that the US could not cross, but also indicated that Denmark and Greenland were open to the US expanding military presence on the island.
Greenland's geostrategic location between North America and the Arctic is seen as vital for early warning systems against potential missile threats and monitoring activities in the region. This has led Trump to assert that securing Greenland is essential for US national security. Currently, the US maintains a base in Greenland operated since World War II, with further military cooperation under existing agreements.
The Danish government has expressed a commitment to enhancing military presence in Greenland, stating it would act 'in close cooperation with allies.' Countries like Sweden and France have already shown willingness to support Denmark by pledging military assistance or establishing diplomatic ties to bolster security arrangements in Greenland. The ongoing tensions highlight a significant geopolitical flashpoint in the Arctic as the US and its European allies navigate the complexities surrounding Greenland's future amid Trump's continuing focus on the territory.
