Nuuk: European military personnel began arriving in Greenland on Thursday as part of a reconnaissance mission involving France, Germany, Sweden and other partners, days after a meeting between US, Danish and Greenlandic officials in Washington failed to resolve a “fundamental disagreement” over the future of the strategically vital Arctic island.

The deployments come amid renewed pressure from US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly vowed to pursue control of the autonomous Danish territory, arguing that Greenland is vital for US security.

“Soldiers of NATO are expected to be more present in Greenland from today and in the coming days. It is expected that there will be more military flights and ships,” Greenland’s deputy prime minister Mute Egede said at a news conference on Wednesday, adding the forces would be “training”.

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French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed the first French military personnel were on their way. “The first French military personnel are already on their way. Others will follow,” he said on X.

Germany also confirmed the deployment of a 13‑strong Bundeswehr reconnaissance team to Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, from Thursday to Sunday at Denmark’s invitation. The German mission is expected to assess potential military support for regional security, including maritime surveillance capabilities.

The military deployments were announced on the same day that Denmark’s foreign minister and Greenland’s foreign minister met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen described the discussions as “frank,” but acknowledged that “we didn’t manage to change the American position” on Trump’s proposals. “It’s clear that the president has this wish of conquering over Greenland,” he told reporters, though he stressed Denmark’s commitment to its sovereignty.

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Trump, speaking after the meeting, which he did not attend, offered a more conciliatory note, saying on national television, “I have a very good relationship with Denmark, and we’ll see how it all works out. I think something will work out.” He reiterated his belief that Denmark would be unable to defend Greenland if Russia or China attempted to seize it, adding: “There’s everything we can do.”

On the streets of Nuuk, red and white Greenlandic flags dotted shop windows, balconies, cars and buses this week as residents expressed both pride and anxiety at being the focus of intense geopolitical attention.

“It’s very frightening because it’s such a big thing,” said Vera Stidsen, 51, a teacher in Nuuk. “I hope that in the future we can continue to live as we have until now: in peace and without being disturbed,” she told AFP.