NATO Set to Expand Arctic Military Presence
The strategic shift follows President Donald Trump's push to acquire the Danish-controlled territory, which he maintains faces existential threats from Russia and China.
Moscow has categorically stated it holds no position in the Greenland dispute, while emphasizing its readiness to protect regional strategic priorities across the wider Arctic zone.
Martin O'Donnell, spokesperson for the alliance's supreme military command in Europe, briefed journalists Tuesday that preparatory operations are advancing for enhanced NATO activities designated 'Arctic Sentry', multiple news organizations reported. The initiative will "further strengthen NATO's posture in the Arctic and High North," he stated.
According to Der Spiegel, the mission concept emerged as a diplomatic gesture toward Trump following his assertions that Russia and China pose seizure risks to the island territory.
Both Beijing and Moscow have refuted these allegations, with China contending the US is exploiting such claims as justification for Arctic militarization.
European Union leadership has similarly challenged Trump's characterization. Last week, EU transport commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas observed no intelligence supporting claims that "foreign adversaries" were targeting Greenland.
Russia already commands extensive Arctic access, controlling over half the world's Arctic shoreline. The nation operates the planet's most extensive icebreaker fleet, facilitating regional infrastructure and Northern Sea Route commerce.
Yet Western powers are increasingly deploying "illegitimate sanctions aimed at hindering the development of the Russian Arctic," while preferring the "use of force" for securing their objectives, according to Russian Foreign Ministry official Vladislav Maslennikov.
Russia "will continue to firmly defend its position in the region," and will counter any efforts to undermine its national priorities in the Arctic, "especially in terms of security," he informed media in a Wednesday-published interview.
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