Washington/ Moscow/ Copenhagen: US President Donald Trump has reignited his long-standing interest in acquiring Greenland, this time framing it as essential to counter potential moves by Russia and China in the strategically vital Arctic region.
Citing national security needs, Trump has emphasised that the US must secure control of the vast, mineral-rich island — currently an autonomous territory under Danish rule — to prevent adversaries from gaining a foothold.
Sources indicate he has not ruled out forceful options, though diplomatic channels remain open, amid reports of tariff threats against European allies opposing the bid.
Denmark has firmly rejected any sale or transfer, asserting Greenland’s sovereignty and integral status within the Kingdom. As a NATO member, Copenhagen could invoke collective defence mechanisms under Article 5 if faced with aggression, though experts note the unprecedented scenario where the alliance’s leader targets an ally’s territory.
The article explores NATO’s potential responses: bolstering military presence in the Arctic through joint patrols, enhanced air and naval deployments by members like France and the UK, diplomatic pressure, or economic countermeasures to deter unilateral action. Russia and China, already expanding Arctic influence via resources and routes, are portrayed as beneficiaries of any transatlantic rift, with Beijing dismissing US claims as pretexts for expansion.
Geopolitical analysts warn that escalation could fracture NATO, heighten Arctic militarisation, and reshape global power dynamics. European leaders, including those from France and the UK, are reportedly coordinating to uphold international law and alliance commitments while addressing shared concerns over Russian and Chinese activities.
With debates intensifying, the standoff underscores Greenland’s growing importance in an era of climate change and resource competition.