Denmark reaffirmed its commitment to defending its territory on Wednesday after President Donald Trump renewed calls for the United States to take control of Greenland, injecting fresh tensions into the NATO summit in Ankara.

The comments overshadowed a gathering of alliance leaders that was intended to project unity and strengthen cooperation on shared security challenges.

Speaking ahead of the summit, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said Denmark remained fully committed to NATO’s collective defense principles.

“We are ready to defend every inch of NATO, including our own territory,” Frederiksen said, adding that Denmark expects all alliance members to uphold their mutual defense obligations.

She also stressed that Greenland’s future rests with its people.

“We hope that all, including all allies, will respect the Greenland people’s right to self-determination,” she said. “Greenland is, of course, not for sale.”

Trump’s latest remarks revived a longstanding dispute over the strategically important Arctic territory, which is an autonomous part of the Kingdom of Denmark.

The issue has resurfaced at a sensitive moment for NATO, whose leaders are seeking to demonstrate solidarity amid growing security concerns in Europe and beyond.

Founded in 1949 to counter Soviet influence during the Cold War, NATO’s collective defense framework has traditionally focused on external threats rather than disagreements among member states.

Many European governments remain primarily concerned about Russia’s military posture, fearing President Vladimir Putin could seek to expand aggression beyond Ukraine.

Icelandic Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir emphasized that Greenland’s future should be determined solely by its residents.

“Greenland belongs to the people of Greenland,” she said, while urging alliance members to remain united.

“Russia is their biggest threat when it comes to these NATO allies,” Frostadóttir added. “We need to focus on us and how we stick together.”

Meanwhile, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte sought to reassure allies about Washington’s commitment to the alliance.

Speaking from Ankara, Rutte said he believes the United States remains fully committed to NATO and also praised Trump’s recent military action against Iran.

The Greenland dispute is expected to remain a sensitive issue as NATO leaders continue discussions on defense spending, regional security and the alliance’s long-term strategic priorities.