Lithuanian President Proposes Joint Arctic Security Deal to Resolve Greenland Dispute Amid Ukraine War Concerns

Nauseda Urges Arctic Security Cooperation

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda has called for a joint security deal covering the Arctic and North Atlantic regions as a potential resolution to the escalating dispute between the United States and Europe over Greenland. The proposal was made on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, during an interview with Reuters on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum's annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland.

President Nauseda emphasized that the ongoing disagreement over Greenland is 'overshadowing the war in Ukraine and playing into Russia's hands,' and urged Washington to de-escalate tensions. He stated, 'The best outcome would be just to agree on common responsibility on the security of the Arctic region and North Atlantic region. Is it possible to achieve? We should do our best to go this way, because this is the best way.'

The Greenland Sovereignty Dispute

The core of the dispute stems from U.S. President Donald Trump's ambition to acquire Greenland, an autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark. Trump had previously attempted to purchase Greenland during his first presidency and, following his 2024 re-election, intensified efforts by threatening to impose tariffs on European Union (EU) goods unless Denmark ceded the island. He had also refused to rule out taking the Arctic island by force.

On January 20, 2026, President Trump reiterated his stance, stating there was 'no going back' on his goal to control Greenland. This position has generated significant friction between the United States and its European allies, including Denmark, and has been identified as a serious threat to the integrity of NATO.

Impact on NATO and European Unity

President Nauseda highlighted the detrimental effect of the Greenland row on NATO's unity, particularly at a time when the alliance's focus should be on supporting Ukraine. He warned that if the White House did not definitively rule out the use of force to acquire Greenland, it would be 'the best news for Russia.' Nauseda underscored that the future of NATO is at stake, urging a unified approach from Western allies.

In a recent development, on January 21, 2026, President Trump reportedly reversed his position, ruling out military force and withdrawing tariff threats after a meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. During this meeting, a 'framework of a future deal' concerning Arctic security was reportedly discussed. However, Greenlandic politicians have since denied the existence of such a deal.