Denmark's Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen describes the US meeting on Greenland as frank but without agreement. The parties agreed to form a high-level group for continued talks, while Sweden sends officers to support Denmark in the Arctic. The aim is to deter Russia and China and signal solidarity against US claims.
The Washington meeting between Denmark's Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen and US Vice President JD Vance and Foreign Secretary Marco Rubio was marked by a constructive but disagreeing discussion on Greenland's future. "We are fundamentally at odds," Rasmussen said at a press conference outside the Danish embassy.
The parties decided to establish a high-level working group to explore a common path forward, focusing on US security interests while respecting Denmark's boundaries. US President Donald Trump commented briefly: "We'll see what happens," emphasizing the good relationship with Denmark but suggesting the US could act unilaterally, referencing Venezuela.
Rasmussen stressed that both the US and Denmark already have a military presence on Greenland, but Denmark is prepared to increase efforts. He noted that the US has reduced from 10,000 to 200 soldiers on the island, a decision not controlled by Denmark. Greenland's Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt welcomed stronger cooperation with the US but rejected ownership: "For us, the most important thing is to find our way back to a normal relationship with the US."
The meeting followed Trump's repeated statements that the US must take over Greenland. Rasmussen stated that Denmark's current framework can secure the island long-term, but the US position remained unchanged. Sweden's Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard called the meeting necessary to lower tensions through continued dialogue.
In a related move, Sweden is sending two to three unarmed officers to Greenland to prepare the Danish exercise Operation Arctic Endurance. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said: "It was obvious for us to say yes." The purpose is to demonstrate allied unity and deter Russia and China in the Arctic, according to Stenergard. Other Swedish party leaders, including Magdalena Andersson and Amanda Lind, welcomed the contribution as support for Denmark against Trump's claims.
