Denmark announced on Wednesday that it is moving “with immediate effect” to strengthen its military presence in Greenland, just hours before a critical meeting in Washington on the future of the autonomous Danish territory.
In a statement, the Danish Ministry of Defence said that military capabilities and units are being deployed as part of exercises that will, in the near future, lead to an increased military presence in and around Greenland.
Danish Defence Ministry: NATO Presence to Increase
“The armed forces are today deploying capabilities and units in the context of exercises, which will in the near future result in an increased military presence in and around Greenland, in terms of aircraft, vessels and troops, including those from NATO allies,” the ministry said.
The announcement comes as the Foreign Ministers of Denmark and Greenland are due to meet US Vice President J. D. Vance at the White House, following weeks of statements by US President Donald Trump suggesting that the United States should assume control of the island, which is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.
Sweden to Deploy Troops at Denmark’s Request
Sweden will send military personnel to Greenland at Denmark’s request to take part in efforts to strengthen security in the autonomous region, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced on Wednesday.
The officers being deployed “will prepare the next steps of the Danish exercise ‘Operation Arctic Endurance’,” Kristersson said in a post on X, adding that Sweden’s contribution comes following a formal request from Denmark.
He noted that the mission forms part of a broader group of military personnel from “various allied countries”.
Earlier in the day, Denmark reiterated that it is reinforcing its military presence in Greenland starting immediately, ahead of the crucial White House meeting on the territory’s future.
Trump Repeats Claims Over Greenland
President Trump continued his repeated statements regarding Greenland, posting earlier on Wednesday that “NATO must tell Denmark to remove Russians and Chinese from Greenland now”.
In a post on Truth Social, referring to Russia and China, Trump wrote: “NATO: Tell Denmark to get them out of here, NOW. Two dog sleds will not do it. Only the USA can.”
Earlier, the US President said that anything short of Greenland being “in the hands” of the United States would be “unacceptable”, repeating his demand for control of the Danish territory just hours before the White House meeting.
The Foreign Ministers of Denmark and Greenland are meeting Vice President J. D. Vance and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the White House, following weeks of escalating rhetoric from the US President.
BREAKING: Officials from Greenland and Denmark arrive at the White House to discuss Greenland acquisition.pic.twitter.com/W8pher7xlO
— Polymarket (@Polymarket) January 14, 2026
Source: cna