NATO official hints at Greenland compromise after talks

Monday 26 January 2026 - 08:50

By: Dakir Madiha

NATO official hints at Greenland compromise after talks

NATO officials indicate progress toward resolving tensions over Greenland following weeks of escalation sparked by President Donald Trump's demands to acquire the Arctic territory, though key details remain vague and local leaders voice caution about outlines unveiled in Davos, Switzerland.

Lieutenant General Remigijus Baltrenas, NATO's director general of the International Military Staff, told Lithuanian public broadcaster LRT on Sunday that alliance consultations foster greater understanding and pragmatism, with a straightforward compromise within reach. His comments came four days after Trump announced the contours of a future deal following a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the World Economic Forum on January 21.

This marked a sharp pivot from Trump's earlier stance. Since early January, he repeatedly refused to rule out military force for Greenland's acquisition, threatened up to 25% tariffs on eight European nations, and insisted the U.S. would possess the Danish territory one way or another. These moves triggered Greenland's largest protests ever, with thousands marching under the slogan "Greenland is not for sale."

In his Davos speech, Trump dropped tariff threats and military intervention talk, revealing a framework agreement with Rutte covering Greenland and the broader Arctic region. In follow-up interviews, Trump claimed the U.S. would gain full access and everything desired at minimal cost.

The framework lacks a written document. CNN reports it includes ongoing talks to revise the 1951 U.S.-Denmark defense treaty, expanded NATO roles in the Arctic, and commitments to bar Russian and Chinese economic or military involvement in Greenland.

Greenland Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen, not initially consulted, told reporters in Nuuk: "I don't know what's in the deal or transaction regarding my country." On U.S. sovereignty over military bases, he stated sovereignty is a red line.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen visited Greenland on January 23 to show solidarity after meeting Rutte in Brussels. "I'm mainly here in Greenland today to demonstrate Denmark's unwavering support," she said, stressing sovereignty is non-negotiable.

A NATO spokesperson clarified Rutte proposed no sovereignty compromise in his Trump meeting, with Denmark, Greenland, and U.S. negotiations continuing.

Despite the diplomatic thaw, resentment lingers in Greenland. Protests continue outside the U.S. consulate in Nuuk, some holding signs linking Trump to convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. Rights activist Najannguaq Christensen told DW many Greenlanders remain skeptical: "I'm not entirely convinced it's a deal... from our perspective, it's just Donald Trump being himself."

Rutte hopes NATO commanders can finalize security arrangements soon, possibly by early 2026. Yet as Christensen noted, Washington's political climate shifts quickly, leaving Greenlanders uncertain about the diplomatic path's durability. "We've been colonized once already," she said. "We don't want to be colonized a second time."