On November 11, NATO announced it has commenced surveillance and monitoring activities in the Arctic region, which includes Danish territory Greenland. This move is largely seen as a strategic response to claims by US President Trump regarding 'threats from China and Russia', emphasizing NATO's involvement in Arctic defense to relieve the escalating tensions between the US and European nations. NATO aims to strengthen its presence in the Arctic through integrated efforts that were previously conducted individually by member nations like Denmark.

The initiative also follows discussions between Trump and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg during the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos, where they agreed that NATO should take on greater shared responsibility for Arctic defense in light of increasing Russian military activities and China's growing interest in the region. NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Tod Wolters, highlighted this operation as a commitment to protect member states and maintain stability in what is described as one of the most strategically important and environmentally challenging areas in the world.

Tensions between the US and Europe had intensified, especially after Trump threatened additional tariffs on eight European countries opposing US claims over Greenland. However, following his meeting with Stoltenberg, Trump announced the cancellation of these tariffs as a framework for future agreements was established, suggesting a potential thawing of relations between the US and its European allies regarding Arctic territorial issues.