In response to US concerns, several European countries sent small numbers of troops to Greenland this week in preparation for the Arctic Endurance military exercise.
According to Andersen, confirmation of participation from the United States is now expected.
Denmark did not invite Americans to participate in similar exercises in September.
The head of the Danish Arctic Command told Reuters that there are no Chinese or Russian ships near Greenland, as US President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated, pointing out the need for US control over the island.
Andersen emphasized that the nearest Russian research vessel is located approximately 575 km from Greenland.
However, he added that NATO allies “understand the situation here well.”
The US maintains about 150 troops at the Pituffik base in Greenland, under a 1951 defense agreement that guarantees Americans free access to the island.
Andersen (against the backdrop of Trump’s statements) believes that an attack by one NATO country on another is unlikely.
Context
Trump announced that control over the island of Greenland was required by American national interests in December 2024, and during 2025 he repeatedly repeated that the United States must gain control over Greenland (an autonomous territory of Denmark), otherwise it would allegedly be captured by China and the Russian Federation.
Trump said the US could use military force to take over Greenland.
The media wrote on January 8, 2026 that Washington is ready to offer up to $100 thousand to each resident of the Danish island. As The Economist reported, the Trump administration is working on an agreement to present to Greenland. According to the publication, the White House may offer Greenland a so-called agreement of free association (COFA). Based on such a document, the United States has already extended its influence to Micronesia, the Marshall Islands and Palau in the Pacific Ocean.
On January 12, EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius said that a potential military annexation of Greenland by America could be the end for NATO.
On January 13, Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said that between the United States and Denmark, the country chooses Denmark and “does not want” to belong to, be part of, or be governed by the United States.
Against the backdrop of statements by the American president, a number of countries, including Denmark, Germany, France, Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, and Great Britain sent military personnel to Greenland for reconnaissance purposes in preparation for military exercises.
