NATO launches its new Arctic Watch mission

On Wednesday, NATO announced the launch of a new Arctic Guard mission to strengthen its military presence in the Arctic. The alliance is responding to tensions within NATO sparked by US President Donald Trump's comments that the US should acquire Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark.

The mission is intended to coordinate the growing presence of allies in the region, including military exercises around Greenland.

According to the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, US General Alexus G. Grynkewich, this step confirms the Alliance's commitment to protecting its members and maintaining stability in a strategically important and environmentally challenging area. The aim is to ensure that the Arctic and the North Atlantic remain secure.

NATO began planning the mission after Trump's talks with Alliance chief Mark Rutte in Davos. They agreed that NATO would strengthen its role in protecting the Arctic, with Denmark, the US, and Greenland continuing to discuss the future of the territory.

Britain has announced that it will actively participate in the mission. The United Kingdom is also planning extensive military exercises in the northern region as part of the Joint Expeditionary Force, deploying hundreds of soldiers.

(reuters, lud)