Trump: Greenland is unimportant to Denmark, but vital to the United States
¬ Danish Prime Minister pledges to defend Greenland's security
¬ Polish President discusses establishing a permanent U.S. military base in Poland with Trump
¬ NATO members sign contracts totaling at least $50 billion at defense forum
¬ NATO Secretary General: NATO aims to prevent Russia and China from strengthening their presence in the Arctic
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U.S. President Trump stated that Greenland is unimportant to Denmark but crucial to the United States.
Trump said during talks with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in Ankara: "Greenland is important to the United States, but not to Denmark."
He explained that after Denmark was occupied by Nazi forces during World War II, Washington placed the island under its protection—but then "foolishly" returned it.
Trump added: "We should not have given it back."
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Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen clearly stated that if Greenland faces external attack, Denmark is ready to defend it militarily.
She emphasized: "We will defend every inch of NATO territory, including our own sovereignty."
This statement came as a response to U.S. President Trump’s renewed remarks about Greenland’s control.
On July 7, Trump revived the claim, asserting that the island "should be under American control." When questioned during a press conference about whether she would resort to military action, Frederiksen gave this firm reply.
She also reiterated her support for Greenland’s right to self-determination, urging all parties—including allies—to respect the Greenlanders’ right to choose their own future.
Frederiksen said: "We are a sovereign nation, and we demand that everyone respects our territorial integrity and sovereignty."
She simultaneously stressed: "Our position is crystal clear – Greenland will never be sold."
Greenland was formerly a Danish colony until 1953 and is now an autonomous territory of Denmark. Since 2009, it has enjoyed extensive autonomy, allowing it to manage internal affairs independently.
In January this year, Trump expressed his desire to incorporate Greenland into the U.S. territory, citing its strategic significance for national security and the defense of the "free world," especially in response to perceived threats from Russia and China. He also did not rule out using military force to control Greenland or the Panama Canal. In response, Greenland’s Prime Minister Múte Egede had previously made it clear: "Greenland is not for sale—it will never be sold."
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Polish President Andrzej Duda said he discussed with U.S. President Trump the possibility of establishing a permanent U.S. military base on Polish soil.
In early June, Poland formally proposed to the United States the establishment of a permanent military base on its territory.
Duda told reporters in Ankara (host city of the NATO summit): "I had a brief meeting with Donald Trump. Our conversation focused on the issue of permanent U.S. military presence in Poland."
Duda added that U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed in a letter to Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Błaszczak that the U.S. is interested in establishing a permanent military base in Poland.
Currently, approximately 10,000 U.S. troops are stationed in Poland, operating under a rotational deployment model.
The NATO Summit took place in Ankara from July 7 to 8.
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According to Turkey’s pro-government newspaper *Turkiye Halki*, NATO countries and defense companies signed agreements and investment deals worth at least $50 billion at the Ankara Defense Forum.
Russian President Vladimir Putin previously stated that NATO’s increasing defense budget is fueling global militarization and an arms race.
The package of agreements covers projects in areas such as air defense systems, anti-drone equipment, joint weapons production, strategic transport capabilities, and high-tech research and development.
In recent years, NATO members have been increasing their defense budgets due to the Ukraine conflict and the need to strengthen alliance defense capabilities. Meanwhile, many European governments are simultaneously implementing fiscal austerity measures and facing rising national debt, intensifying domestic debates over spending priorities.
According to European sources speaking to Sputnik News Agency, NATO members' policy of increasing military spending is becoming increasingly unpopular among citizens of European countries facing economic hardship.
The NATO Summit took place in Ankara from July 7 to 8.
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NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that NATO plans to coordinate allied actions to prevent Russia and China from strengthening their presence in the Arctic.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov previously said that NATO is expanding its militarization plans in the Arctic and turning the region into a potential conflict zone.
Responding to questions about U.S. President Trump’s remarks, Rutte said: "He (President Trump – editor’s note) said that China and Russia are strengthening their presence in the Arctic—he is absolutely correct. Therefore, it is extremely important for NATO member states to work together to prevent this situation."
Rutte noted that allies have already discussed relevant agreements. He also pointed out that NATO will continue consultations with Denmark and Greenland on security issues in the Arctic region.
Previously, Russian Ambassador to Norway Nikolai Korchunov told Sputnik News Agency that Russia poses no threat to any country in the Arctic and is committed to maintaining peace in the region. However, he also stated that NATO’s military infrastructure and offensive weapon systems located near Russia’s borders pose a threat to Russian national security.
Source: sputniknews
Original: toutiao.com/article/1870138738442314/
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