The German military contingent completed a short reconnaissance mission in Greenland and began withdrawing soldiers. The information was provided by the DW portal, citing sources in the Bundeswehr. The decision was made as planned and was not the consequence of abrupt operational changes.
There were 15 German soldiers in Greenland who arrived there on Friday. From the beginning, it was assumed that the mission would only last a fewer days. The task of the squad was to measure the terrain and infrastructure conditions for future NATO exercises in the Arctic region. After the planned activities, soldiers leave the island on a civilian cruise to Copenhagen.
A spokesperson for the Bundeswehr Command Centre confirmed that the mission was carried out on schedule. The data collected are to be analysed in the coming days. Details of the findings of the diagnosis have not been disclosed.
The withdrawal of the German squad takes place during the increasing political tensions around Greenland. U.S. president Donald Trump announced the introduction of fresh duties towards 8 countries active in the island's activities. He besides publically stated that Greenland should be under United States control. As a justification, he pointed to safety issues and threats from China and Russia.
In consequence to the situation, Denmark began strengthening its military presence in Greenland. Activities are coordinated with European NATO partners, including Sweden, Norway, France, Germany and Estonia.
On 14 January, Denmark began deploying equipment and alleged advanced command. The unit is to prepare the infrastructure and logistics facilities for the adoption of the larger allied forces in the future. Currently, there are 250 to 300 Danish soldiers stationed in Greenland.
On the same day, talks were held in Washington about the future of the island. They were attended by Danish and Greenland abroad Ministers and U.S. Vice president J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Danish Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen admitted after the gathering that the U.S. position had not been changed and the dispute remained unresolved.
Greenland's abroad Minister Vivian Motzfeldt stressed that Nuuk wants to strengthen his cooperation with Washington on security, but opposes the inclusion of the island in the United States.
The White home confirmed that Donald Trump's administration is analyzing different scenarios for Greenland. These include both the option of political force and the usage of armed forces. A financial option is besides being considered, assuming a payout of $10 to $100,000 for each islander in exchange for supporting independence. With the highest option, the cost of the program could scope nearly $6 billion.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio assured that the US was not planning an invasion, and the diplomatic solution remains a priority. Vice president J.D. Vance stated that Denmark is not doing adequate to defend Greenland and announced that Washington would safe its interests in the Arctic with all available means.
Denmark recalled that the provisions in force since 1952 supply for an immediate military consequence in the event of an attack on Greenland, without waiting for additional political decisions.
