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NATO Cannot Negotiate on Our Behalf, Says Denmark

Published January 22, 2026, 11:21
NATO Cannot Negotiate on Our Behalf, Says Denmark

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and US President Donald Trump reached an agreement to strengthen security in the Arctic, with a focus on Greenland. The agreement provides for an increased NATO presence in the region, with the first results expected as early as 2026. However, Denmark, to which Greenland belongs, has expressed the view that Mr. Rutte does not have the authority to negotiate on its behalf regarding the island's sovereignty. Copenhagen announced that it will renegotiate the 1951 defense agreement with the US regarding Greenland. Mr. Rutte stated that NATO commanders will examine the details of the additional security requirements and that member countries of the Alliance will contribute to the effort. He stressed that strengthening NATO's presence in Greenland will not affect support for Ukraine. According to Mr. Rutte, the goal is to prevent China and Russia from accessing Greenland's economy and military infrastructure. NATO spokesperson Allison Hart clarified that Mr. Rutte did not propose any compromise regarding Denmark's sovereignty.