A new scandal has erupted in the political arena: the United States and NATO have unexpectedly announced reaching preliminary agreements on the future status of Greenland and the entire Arctic region. U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the parties have developed basic principles for a long-term agreement that will establish the rules of engagement in the area. At the same time, Washington has abandoned plans to introduce new trade tariffs that were set to take effect on February 1. However, Denmark’s response was extremely tough: official København (Copenhagen) categorically rejected any U.S. attempts to gain control over the island, calling it a ‘red line.’
The situation surrounding Greenland (Kalaallit Nunaat) has long caused tensions among Western countries. In recent weeks, a force-based scenario was discussed behind closed doors, but now Trump has publicly dropped the idea of military intervention. Instead, he has opted to negotiate with NATO and establish a joint platform to discuss the island’s future status. According to him, if the plan is implemented, it will benefit not only the U.S. but all alliance members.
Arctic Rift
The focus of the talks is on security issues and control over a strategically important territory. The new agreement format envisions the creation of a collective defense system designed for years to come. Special attention is being given to the “Golden Dome” project—a network of satellite surveillance and early warning against possible air attacks, modeled after the Israeli “Iron Dome” system. Key figures from the U.S. administration are participating in the negotiations, including Vice President J. D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Special Representative Steve Witkoff.
Trump emphasizes that the U.S. is the only country capable of guaranteeing Greenland’s security amid growing interest from China and Russia. However, both Beijing and Moscow officially deny these allegations. Despite this, the American leader insists on the need to strengthen control over the region, while ruling out any military solution.
Denmark on the Brink
The Danish government has taken a tough stance, rejecting any attempts to change the status quo. Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen stated that Greenland will never become part of the U.S. under any circumstances. His statement comes amid escalating tensions between Washington and Copenhagen, as well as growing discontent among the island’s residents.
Greenlandic society and political elites show no interest in the idea of annexation or even expanded cooperation with the US. Moreover, in recent days, sharp verbal exchanges have erupted between Trump and local authorities. In response to pressure from Washington, Danish and Greenlandic politicians have united to prevent any change to the island’s status.
Tariffs lifted
Amid the diplomatic battles, Trump took an unexpected step: he announced the repeal of the 10 percent tariffs that were set to affect countries that sent troops on a special mission to Greenland. These measures were scheduled to take effect at the beginning of February, but they have now been taken off the agenda. According to the US administration, this move is intended to demonstrate a willingness to engage in dialogue and ease tensions.
However, in Europe this step was seen more as an attempt at pressure than an act of goodwill. Many experts believe the lifting of tariffs is merely a temporary concession that could be followed by new US demands. At the same time, NATO prefers not to comment on the details of the talks, limiting itself to general statements about the need for unity and security in the Arctic.
High-level group
Despite sharp disagreements, the parties agreed to set up a special working group to seek compromise. The White House meeting ended with a decision to form a team of representatives from the United States, Denmark, and Greenland. The group’s mission is to develop a joint position on key issues of security and economic development in the region.
For now, the prospects for reaching an agreement remain uncertain. Each side insists on its own interests, and the conflict over Greenland risks escalating into a new stage of international confrontation. Nevertheless, Washington clearly has no intention of backing down, and the battle for the Arctic is only gaining momentum.
