For the first time in recent history, Danish conscripts have been deployed to Greenland, as Denmark moves to strengthen its presence in the Arctic following U.S. demands to acquire the territory. At the same time, Greenland’s foreign minister says talks with the United States over the territory’s future are continuing, although he has declined to provide details.

U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly sought to acquire the semi-autonomous Danish island, citing national security concerns and accusing Copenhagen of neglecting Arctic defence. Denmark and Greenland have strongly rejected the idea.

The conscripts are part of the first group recruited under a new expanded conscription system, designed to enable soldiers to operate in one of the world’s most strategically important regions, which is facing growing challenges.

“It shows a presence, that we are here and that we are not only thinking about ourselves. It also shows that we are thinking about the people in Greenland,” David, a 19-year-old conscript, told Reuters.

Copenhagen has pledged to spend billions of dollars to strengthen its Arctic defences after Denmark’s defence minister acknowledged years of underinvestment in the region.

“We are, of course, part of the broader strategic communications picture regarding Greenland, but our role here is simply to continue training the conscripts and soldiers and gain more experience training in the Arctic terrain and climate,” said Captain Laura Jepsen.

The conscripts are taking part in Denmark’s Arctic Endurance military exercises, which train soldiers for combat and survival in extreme cold conditions.

They are also part of Arctic Sentry, a mission launched by NATO this year to strengthen the alliance’s presence in the Arctic and ease tensions within NATO following Trump’s comments about Greenland.

Russia, which maintains the largest military footprint in the Arctic, has criticised NATO’s growing activity in the region, describing it as a direct security threat that increases the risk of confrontation.

China has also increased its activity in the mineral-rich region, primarily through cooperation with Moscow.

Training north of the Arctic Circle, the conscripts moved through a landscape of rocks and wide, treeless open spaces.

“I think it sends a message that Denmark is strengthening itself for the future,” said Anton, a 22-year-old conscript.

Meanwhile, Greenland’s Foreign Minister Múte Egede said today that talks with the United States over the future of the Arctic island are continuing, but declined to provide details about the discussions.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s statements that the United States should acquire Greenland have caused tensions between Washington and Copenhagen, both founding members of NATO, and more broadly across Europe, although the issue has since moved onto a diplomatic track.

“Officials are working hard to resolve the situation. Unfortunately, I cannot share the details of these talks, but what I can tell you is that our dialogue is continuing,” Egede said during a discussion at the European Parliament.