Radosław Sikorski made the comments as allies expressed concern about statements by US President Donald Trump calling for American control of Greenland, a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark that is covered by NATO’s collective defence obligations.
Sikorski, who also serves as a deputy prime minister, said that NATO without the United States would lack critical capabilities and stressed Denmark’s importance as a key ally in the Baltic region.
Asked by public broadcaster Polish Radio about Trump’s remarks, Sikorski said the United States already has "full operational freedom" in Greenland through existing defence arrangements.
If the concern is potential threats from Russia or China, Sikorski said, the alliance could counter them with joint military exercises rather than risking division.
He noted that during World War II, the United States deployed thousands of troops to Greenland and that it still maintains a military presence that could be increased if necessary.
Asked whether a NATO split was possible, Sikorski referenced past tensions within the alliance, including the 1973 Turkish invasion of Cyprus, but said that was "the last thing we wish to happen."
“Poland values the alliance with the US, and we also value and like Denmark, which is a key ally in the Baltic Sea region,” he said. “Without the US, NATO lacks key capabilities, such as nuclear arms or global reconnaissance. The Baltic Sea is currently almost a NATO sea, where Denmark guards the Danish Straits."
He added: “We’ll do everything in our power to ensure NATO is not divided.”
Since Trump began his second presidency in January 2025, he has repeatedly said the United States must gain control of Greenland, renewing comments first made during his first term in office.
Trump’s assertions, which he has framed as a national security priority, have drawn firm rebukes from Denmark and Greenland, both of which insist the island is not for sale and reject US control.
Greenland’s leaders have insisted they prefer to remain part of Denmark and under NATO’s collective defence umbrella, with support from European allies who warn that forced acquisition or threats against a NATO member could undermine the alliance's unity.
Danish and Greenlandic officials were scheduled to meet in Washington with US Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to address the tensions and clarify positions on the island's future.
Polish President Karol Nawrocki said on Tuesday that Greenland is a strategically important territory that requires broader discussion among allies, voicing hope the dispute will be resolved diplomatically between the United States and Denmark.
Trump said on Sunday that the United States would take control of the mineral-rich territory "one way or the other."
The European Union’s Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius has said that a US military takeover of Greenland would effectively spell the end of NATO.
(pm/gs)
Source: IAR, PAP