Denmark’s military in Greenland is focused on countering possible Russian activity, not on defending against military threats from the United States, Reuters reported, citing Major General Soeren Andersen, head of Denmark’s Joint Arctic Command in Greenland.

Andersen said his attention is directed at Russia. He also said there are currently no Chinese or Russian ships near Greenland, but noted that one Russian research vessel was spotted about 310 nautical miles away. According to him, NATO allies have a clear picture of the situation in the area.

Andersen said allies expect Russian activity around Greenland to increase in the coming years. He argued that preparations should start now and that presence in the Arctic should be expanded to protect NATO’s northern border.

He dismissed the possibility of a conflict between NATO partners and said Denmark is acting in close coordination with the alliance. Andersen also said cooperation with the US military remains regular. Speaking to CNN, he added that the long-term goal of the European NATO allies' mission in Greenland is to keep Russia away.

US President Donald Trump again said on January 14 that Greenland is necessary for US national security. He also said NATO should lead the process of the island’s accession, and claimed Denmark cannot protect Greenland, which he said is surrounded by Russian and Chinese submarines. The Financial Times reported that diplomats attending a NATO meeting denied there were such submarines near the island.

On January 15, military personnel from European NATO members Denmark and France arrived in Greenland as part of the «Arctic Endurance» reconnaissance operation amid US claims to the island. Sweden, Germany, the United Kingdom, Norway, and the Netherlands also announced participation.

Russia’s position is that Greenland is Denmark’s territory, Kremlin spokesman Dmitrii Peskov has said.