German soldiers leave Greenland

Several European nations have recently sent troops to boost the security of the Danish autonomous territory amid US threats to acquire it

Germany’s initial deployment of 15 soldiers to Greenland has wrapped up, German Armed Force spokesman Lt. Col. Peter Milevchuk has told Funke media group. He said cooperation with Danish counterparts had been both positive and constructive.

On Wednesday, Denmark announced a military exercise on the island. Several European countries – including Germany, France, Sweden, Norway and the UK – said they would take part, each sending between one and 15 personnel. The move followed talks between Denmark, Greenland, and the US that ended in what officials described as a “fundamental disagreement” between the Trump administration and its European allies over the autonomous territory.

“The results of the reconnaissance will be analyzed in the coming days,” Milevchuk said, adding that the German team had completed its mission.

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In recent weeks, US President Donald Trump has intensified efforts to bring Greenland under Washington’s control, a goal he has pursued since his first term. Trump argues that the acquisition is crucial for US national security in order to counter Chinese and Russian influence in the Arctic – an assertion rejected by both Beijing and Moscow.

The US president has repeatedly mocked the Danish military presence on Greenland, claiming that they are inadequate for the world’s largest island and quipping that it is only defended by “two dog sleds.” Trump escalated tensions earlier this week by announcing additional tariffs on US trading partners that refuse to support his push to acquire Greenland.

The move drew strong criticism from European leaders. French President Emmanuel Macron called the tariff threats unacceptable and promised a “united and coordinated” response. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the threats would harm transatlantic ties and reiterated EU solidarity with Denmark and Greenland. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the tariffs as “completely wrong,” saying they undermine NATO, and pledging direct talks with the US.