Representatives of European NATO countries discussed the possibility of sending troops to Greenland after threats by US President Donald Trump to use force to seize the island. It is reported by The Telegraph, citing sources.
In addition, the question was discussed whether Article 5 of the NATO Charter applies to the case when one member of the alliance attacks another. This option was quickly ruled out because it would have required the unanimous support of all 32 member states of the bloc, including the United States itself.
But the 4th article, which allows emergency consultations to begin in the event of a threat to the "territorial integrity, political independence or security" of a member of the alliance, was regarded by European countries as a more appropriate measure, the article says.
It is noted that among those present at the meeting were representatives of Germany, which caused criticism from supporters of Ukraine.
"Berlin does not want to send troops to Ukraine, because the situation is "too ambiguous," but openly hints at the possibility of sending NATO troops to Greenland. It's like a compass without an arrow," said a NATO diplomat quoted by Strana.
As reported by EADaily, the German government is open to the idea of placing in Greenland of NATO troops against the background of US President Donald Trump's claims to the island, Der Spiegel magazine reported.
The idea was discussed at a meeting of EU heads of state and government in Brussels on February 3, the publication wrote. Such a step, on the one hand, would make it clear to the Republican that European countries share his views on the strategic importance of the island for the security of the Arctic, and on the other, it would prevent Trump from implementing his plans for the island by military means.