NATO discussions on deterring Russian action around Greenland are 'business as usual', according to the U.K .

On Sunday, Britain stated that negotiations with other NATO members regarding discouraging Russian activities in the Arctic were “business as usual,” despite media allegations that the UK was considering deploying a military force to Greenland.

The Telegraph claimed on Saturday that military chiefs from Britain and other European countries were working up preparations for a prospective NATO deployment in Greenland, which US President Donald Trump has often stated he wants to annex.

According to the newspaper, British authorities are in preliminary negotiations with Germany, France, and others about deploying troops, warships, and aircraft to safeguard Greenland from Russia and China.

According to Bloomberg News, Germany’s foreign and finance ministers will propose a joint NATO mission to preserve the Arctic region during their visit to Washington on Monday.

According to British transport minister Heidi Alexander, discussions on deterring Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Arctic are “business as usual”.

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“It’s becoming an increasingly contested geopolitical region, with Russia and China… you would expect us to be talking ‌to all our allies in NATO about what we ‌can do to deter Russian aggression in the Arctic Circle,” Mr. Alexander explained.

In response to the Telegraph allegation, a government official stated that Britain is “committed to working with NATO allies to strengthen NATO’s Arctic deterrence and defense.”

Doubts over US claims on Arctic boats

Mr. Trump has stated that the U.S. must acquire Greenland, an independent region of Denmark, to prevent Russia or China from acquiring the strategically located and mineral-rich territory in the future. He argues that the current military presence is insufficient.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, who will meet with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday, stated that addressing US worries about Russian or Chinese warships should be done within the framework of the NATO alliance.

“If it comes to matters of territorial sovereignty, we are absolutely clear: The future of Greenland has to be decided by the people of Greenland,” stated Wadephul on Sunday.

Mr. Trump has not produced evidence to back up his accusations about Russian and Chinese boats operating in Greenland, which Denmark rejects.

Vessel tracking data from MarineTraffic and LSEG show that there are no Chinese or Russian ships approaching Greenland.