German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Monday he assumes that the United States will participate in a stronger NATO presence to improve security in Greenland.

The senator's comments come after President Donald Trump said the U.S. would "do something on Greenland, whether they like it or not."

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on Monday that NATO allies had to work together for security, and said Greenland and Denmark should decide the future of the island, which U.S. President Donald Trump says should belong to the United States.

Britain is discussing with NATO allies how to enhance Arctic security against Russia and China. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said Sunday that these talks are routine and not a response to U.S.

Trump’s threat to annex an autonomous part of Denmark has plunged NATO into an unprecedented situation: An alliance based on collective defense now faces the prospect that one member might attack another.

The response comes amid concerns over Russia's continued military build-up in the region and its close ties to China.

Germany is planning to set up a joint Nato operation in the Arctic in an effort to dissuade Donald Trump from annexing Greenland.

It’s not for peaceful purposes,” U,S, Air Force Gen. Alexus Grynkewich said. “They’re not studying the seals and the polar bears."