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Greenland: Trump forcing NATO to increase Arctic presence

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Teri Schultz
January 26, 2026

US President Donald Trump says the US needs to take control of the Arctic island to prevent Russia and China from doing so. With EU-US relations at a low point, DW looks at whether Trump's concerns are justified.

Donald Trump's renewed calls for Greenland to become US territory have alarmed residents and sparked debate over Arctic security.

While Trump warns of Russian and Chinese naval threats, ship-tracking data and Danish military officials say no such vessels are currently near Greenland.

NATO sees no immediate danger but is monitoring closer Russia-China cooperation. Allies may expand their Arctic presence, even as concerns grow about NATO unity and credibility.

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