The diplomatic tug-of-war over the Arctic has ended in a firm stalemate. After a high-stakes meeting with US Vice President JD Vance in Washington, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen declared that the US acquisition of Greenland is "absolutely not necessary" and firmly off the table.

The talks were convened to address President Trump’s renewed interest in purchasing the semi-autonomous territory for national security reasons. Rasmussen, flanked by Greenland’s Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt, delivered a polite but piercing rebuke: "The future is not about the past. We do not sell territories."

Respectful Disagreement

While the sale is dead, the strategic alliance remains alive. Denmark agreed to "respectful cooperation," signaling openness to a stronger US military presence to counter Russian activity in the High North. However, the Europeans are taking no chances; France and Germany have pledged troops to a new Danish-led Arctic defense force, ensuring that Greenland’s security remains a NATO—not just American—affair.