What Is the Mission of the Troops That Europe Is Sending to Greenland? | DW News

15 Jan 2026 | Denmark is increasing its military presence in and around Greenland with troops from Germany and other European nations. A Danish troop transport plane landed at Greenland's capital, Nuuk, overnight. The arrival of troops is said to be in support of military exercises. But it comes as Donald Trump justifies calls for a US takeover of the territory. He says Greenland can't defend itself against Russia's or China's Arctic ambitions. The announcement came after Denmark's and Greenland's foreign ministers held inconclusive talks in Washington with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.