On Wednesday, January 14, 2026, US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen and Greenlandic Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt at the White House. The goal? To find common ground on the future security of Greenland ❄️ It felt like a real-life Game of Thrones winter summit, minus the dragons.
Despite “frank but constructive” talks, Rasmussen said a “fundamental disagreement” remains. President Donald Trump made his view clear: anything less than Greenland becoming part of the United States is unacceptable. Denmark, however, insists Greenland’s security is best ensured within the current Kingdom of Denmark framework.
To bridge the gap, all sides agreed to launch a high-level working group in the coming weeks. This team will explore ways to address US concerns while respecting Denmark’s red lines and the right of self-determination for Greenland’s residents.
Meanwhile, the European Union and NATO allies have rallied behind Denmark and Greenland. European Parliament leaders condemned Washington’s stance as a challenge to international law and Denmark’s sovereignty. Germany announced it will send 13 Bundeswehr personnel on a reconnaissance mission to Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, to assess possible security contributions. Sweden and Norway are also dispatching military staff to map cooperation among allies in the Arctic.
These developments highlight growing global interest in the Arctic, where melting ice is opening new shipping routes and resource prospects. As tensions simmer, the coming weeks will be crucial for finding a collaborative path forward — one that balances strategic interests, respects territorial integrity, and supports the voices of Greenland’s people. 🌐
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'Fundamental disagreement' remains after talks on Greenland in U.S.
cgtn.com
