European countries deploy troops to Greenland, move unlikely to affect Trump’s position — White House

Several European countries have deployed small military contingents to Greenland as part of a reconnaissance operation led by Denmark, but the move is unlikely to influence former U.S. President Donald Trump’s stance on acquiring the island, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said.

According to the White House, seven countries have decided to send troops to Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, under the intelligence and training mission known as “Arctic Resolve”, aimed at enhancing operational capabilities in the Arctic region.

France has deployed 15 personnel, while Germany is sending 13 troops. Sweden will contribute three, Finland and Norway will each send two, and the United Kingdom and the Netherlands will deploy one soldier each.

French President Emmanuel Macron said France would further strengthen its military presence in Greenland with land, air, and naval assets.

“I do not believe that the presence of European troops in Greenland will affect President Trump’s decision-making process or his objective of acquiring Greenland,” Leavitt said.

The White House also confirmed that meetings between U.S. and Danish officials on Greenland will take place every two to three weeks.