US President Donald Trump has announced that there is a framework of a future deal with respect to Greenland.
The statement came as a surprise after days of mounting tensions, culminating with a threat to impose economic sanctions on eight close US allies which have opposed his plans to seize the semi-autonomous territory of Denmark.
So what could this deal entail and will it be acceptable to Denmark and Greenland - both of which have made it clear they will not relinquish sovereignty of the world's largest island.
What has been said about the framework deal?
President Trump made the announcement on his Truth Social media platform on Wednesday, after talks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Based upon a very productive meeting that I have had with the Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte, we have formed the framework of a future deal with respect to Greenland, he said.
This solution, if consummated, will be a great one for the United States of America, and all NATO Nations.
He did not give details, but said talks would continue to reach the deal.
Rutte, for his part, said he had not discussed the key issue of Danish sovereignty over Greenland in his meeting with Trump.
The view in Denmark is that the issue is far from over and that any agreement must still be hammered out together between Greenland and Denmark and the US.
Danish Prime Minister Metter Frederiksen asserted that negotiations could occur on everything political; security, investments, economy, but sovereignty remained non-negotiable.
NATO spokeswoman Allison Hart reiterated that negotiations between Denmark, Greenland, and the United States would proceed to ensure that Russia and China do not gain a foothold in Greenland.
However, a Greenlandic lawmaker stressed, Nothing about us without us, reflecting concerns over Greenland's absence in the discussions.
The UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized the importance of direct discussions between Denmark, Greenland, and the US about Greenland's sovereignty.
Is there any detail about the possible deal?
Denmark and Greenland's comments about sovereignty being non-negotiable appeared to push back on reports suggesting an arrangement similar to British military bases in Cyprus.
The New York Times cited anonymous officials indicating discussions about Denmark ceding sovereignty over specific areas of Greenland for US military bases.
Yvette Cooper highlighted the expectation of practical discussions about Greenland's security while emphasizing that its sovereignty is not up for negotiation.
Trump's insistence on sovereignty stems from perceived threats posed by Chinese and Russian vessels near Greenland, despite defense officials claiming no significant recent threats.
NATO allies are working on a collective security boost in the Arctic, with plans for an Arctic Sentry mission being discussed.
Will any deal short of 'ownership' please Trump?
The US has maintained a military presence in Greenland since World War Two and currently has over 100 personnel stationed at the Pituffik base.
Trump has insisted on ownership rather than a lease, characterizing countries as needing to defend ownership, especially given the NATO founding principle that an attack on one ally is an attack on all.
Why does Trump want Greenland?
Trump's interest in purchasing Greenland aligns with strategic defense needs against Russia and China and acquiring rare earth minerals that are important for technology and defense systems.
While he addresses security, he also highlights Greenland’s potential wealth, suggesting that US control would favor not only the U.S. but also its allies in a significant way.
As discussions continue, the international community remains focused on the complexities of sovereignty, global alliances, and Arctic security.
