Denmark may cede land in Greenland to US to avert full annexation

Denmark is considering granting the United States sovereignty over specific parcels of land in Greenland for the construction of military bases, a move designed to ensure the island remains within the Danish Kingdom, according to sources familiar with the matter who spoke to The New York Times and The Telegraph.

Sources indicated that this proposal was discussed during a meeting between US President Donald Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Davos, where it received approval in principle.

Cyprus model on the table: A new defense line in the Arctic

The option currently under negotiation bears a strong resemblance to the agreement established between the United Kingdom and Cyprus.

When Cyprus gained independence from London in 1960, it retained sovereignty but ceded ownership of two substantial territories—Akrotiri and Dhekelia—to its former colonial administrator to serve as military bases.

Should a similar agreement be reached with Denmark, the US would be permitted to construct additional bases in Greenland to conduct military operations, intelligence activities, and training exercises aimed at protecting the Arctic region.

These measures are being positioned within a broader strategy to counter Russian and Chinese influence in the region.

Washington also aims to contribute to the island’s economic development, extract rare earth elements, and deploy a “Golden Dome” missile defense system in the territory.

A source speaking to Axios noted that if the deal is signed, the US intends to update the 1951 “Defense of Greenland Agreement.”

Trump suspends tariffs

In a statement issued on January 21, Donald Trump announced that he had held a productive meeting with the NATO Secretary General, laying the groundwork for a future agreement covering Greenland and the entire Arctic region.

Trump stated that he has decided to temporarily suspend tariffs on eight European nations that had previously opposed Greenland’s integration into the US.

The White House pledged to provide additional information to the public as negotiations progress.

Future negotiations regarding Greenland will be led by Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and the US leader’s special representative, Steve Witkoff.

Intelligence reports do not confirm threat perception

Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, has long been a focal point of Trump’s agenda. Citing threats posed by Russia and China, the US President has repeatedly voiced plans to annex the island.

However, NATO sources familiar with intelligence data told the Financial Times that no movement of Russian or Chinese vessels has been detected near the island’s coastlines in recent years.

In previous statements, the Prime Minister of Greenland has affirmed the island’s determination to remain part of Denmark and its allied structures.