For the first time in recent history, Danish conscripts have been deployed to Greenland, as Denmark moves to strengthen its presence in the Arctic following U.S. demands to acquire the territory. At the same time, Greenland\u2019s foreign minister says talks with the United States over the territory\u2019s future are continuing, although he has declined to provide details.<\/p>\n
U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly sought to acquire the semi-autonomous Danish island, citing national security concerns and accusing Copenhagen of neglecting Arctic defence. Denmark and Greenland have strongly rejected the idea.<\/p>\n
The conscripts are part of the first group recruited under a new expanded conscription system, designed to enable soldiers to operate in one of the world\u2019s most strategically important regions, which is facing growing challenges.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt shows a presence, that we are here and that we are not only thinking about ourselves. It also shows that we are thinking about the people in Greenland,\u201d David, a 19-year-old conscript, told Reuters.<\/p>\n
Copenhagen has pledged to spend billions of dollars to strengthen its Arctic defences after Denmark\u2019s defence minister acknowledged years of underinvestment in the region.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are, of course, part of the broader strategic communications picture regarding Greenland, but our role here is simply to continue training the conscripts and soldiers and gain more experience training in the Arctic terrain and climate,\u201d said Captain Laura Jepsen.<\/p>\n
The conscripts are taking part in Denmark\u2019s Arctic Endurance military exercises, which train soldiers for combat and survival in extreme cold conditions.<\/p>\n
They are also part of Arctic Sentry, a mission launched by NATO this year to strengthen the alliance\u2019s presence in the Arctic and ease tensions within NATO following Trump\u2019s comments about Greenland.<\/p>\n
Russia, which maintains the largest military footprint in the Arctic, has criticised NATO\u2019s growing activity in the region, describing it as a direct security threat that increases the risk of confrontation.<\/p>\n
China has also increased its activity in the mineral-rich region, primarily through cooperation with Moscow.<\/p>\n
Training north of the Arctic Circle, the conscripts moved through a landscape of rocks and wide, treeless open spaces.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think it sends a message that Denmark is strengthening itself for the future,\u201d said Anton, a 22-year-old conscript.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Greenland\u2019s Foreign Minister M\u00fate Egede said today that talks with the United States over the future of the Arctic island are continuing, but declined to provide details about the discussions.<\/p>\n
U.S. President Donald Trump\u2019s statements that the United States should acquire Greenland have caused tensions between Washington and Copenhagen, both founding members of NATO, and more broadly across Europe, although the issue has since moved onto a diplomatic track.<\/p>\n
\u201cOfficials are working hard to resolve the situation. Unfortunately, I cannot share the details of these talks, but what I can tell you is that our dialogue is continuing,\u201d Egede said during a discussion at the European Parliament.<\/p>\n
Ask me anything<\/p>\n
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