Denmark responds to US criticism over Greenland, accuses America of reducing Arctic military presence

Danish officials have strongly responded to recent criticism from US Vice President JD Vance regarding Denmark’s handling of Greenland’s security, accusing the United States of significantly scaling back its military presence in the Arctic.

Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Denmark’s Foreign Minister, expressed the country’s dissatisfaction with the tone of the criticism, which came during Vance’s uninvited visit to the Pituffik Space Base in Greenland.

The Vice President accused Denmark of neglecting the security of the island, suggesting that Greenlanders would ultimately align with the United States on matters of control.

“We are open to criticism, but we do not appreciate the tone in which it is being delivered. This is not how you speak to your close allies,” Rasmussen said. “In 1945, the United States had 17 bases in Greenland, with thousands of soldiers. Today, only one base remains with roughly 200 soldiers.”

Rasmussen pointed out that Denmark was more than willing to cooperate on security matters in Greenland but criticized the US for reducing its own military footprint in the region.

He emphasized that the situation had changed drastically since World War II, and Denmark was now willing to work within the current framework to improve Arctic security.

The changing dynamics of Arctic security

Rasmussen also referred to the reduction in US military presence in the Arctic, stating that during the Cold War, the United States had a substantial military infrastructure in Greenland. However, today’s reality is different, with US forces significantly pulling back from the region in recent decades.

“We can do more, much more, within the framework we have today,” Rasmussen continued. “Let us do it together.”

Rasmussen’s comments come after several years of reduced US military presence in Greenland. While the US had maintained a robust presence in the Arctic during the Cold War, there are now only limited forces stationed at the Pituffik Space Base, which is considered strategically important for US interests in the region.

Greenland’s strategic importance

Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, has become a focal point in international discussions due to its geopolitical significance in the Arctic.

US President Donald Trump’s public desire to purchase Greenland from Denmark has further intensified attention on the island, which is strategically positioned in the Arctic, a region increasingly affected by climate change and military competition from Russia and China.

While Denmark and Greenland have maintained that the island is “not for sale,” the island’s strategic importance has led to increased international interest, with both the US and China expanding their activities in the Arctic.

Vance’s visit and the US perspective

During his visit to Greenland, Vice President Vance reiterated the US’s interest in bolstering its presence in the Arctic, citing growing threats from Russia and China. However, he also acknowledged the challenges Denmark faces in maintaining security over Greenland.

“Greenland is very important for the peace of the world, not just for us, but for the peace of the entire world,” Vance said, underscoring the geopolitical significance of the region.

Despite this, Denmark maintains that it is fully committed to working within the framework of its relationship with the US, while also asserting its sovereignty over Greenland and refusing to yield to any external pressures regarding its territorial integrity.