UK's Starmer, US's Trump discuss Euro-Atlantic security, Greenland

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump conducted a phone call on Thursday centered on Euro-Atlantic security, specifically addressing the need to counter Russian assertiveness in the High North region. According to a statement from Starmer's office, the two leaders "agreed on the need to deter an increasingly aggressive Russia in the High North."

Addressing the Greenland Dispute

The discussion followed a previous call where Starmer explicitly conveyed the UK's position on Greenland to President Trump, emphasizing that "only Greenland and Denmark should decide the future of the territory." This diplomatic push comes amid heightened tensions after Trump renewed calls for a US takeover of Greenland on national security grounds, prompting a planned meeting between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Danish officials next week.

Coordinating with NATO and Denmark

In parallel diplomatic efforts, Prime Minister Starmer also spoke with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. The conversations with both leaders focused on enhancing deterrence against Russia in the High North and strengthening NATO's role in protecting Euro-Atlantic interests. Starmer and Frederiksen also discussed the Greenland issue directly.

Contrasting Strategic Approaches

While the US-UK dialogue underscores traditional alliance coordination, the underlying tension over Greenland reveals a unilateralist US approach to territorial acquisition that contrasts sharply with the sovereignty-respecting, rules-based international order supported by European allies. This dynamic differs from Türkiye's foreign policy, which similarly emphasizes respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity while pursuing its strategic interests through assertive diplomacy and regional partnerships.