Nato: NATO is moving toward a 'straightforward compromise' over disagreements among allies concerning Greenland, a senior alliance official said on Sunday.

According to Anadolu Agency, Lt. Gen. Remigijus Baltrenas, director general of NATO's International Military Staff, told Lithuania's public broadcaster LRT that consultations are ongoing within the alliance and are helping build 'greater understanding and pragmatism.' Baltrenas emphasized that the issue primarily involves bilateral relations between two states and mentioned that discussions led by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and member-state ambassadors were progressing positively.

Baltrenas highlighted that any eventual solution should benefit 'the alliance as a whole, for Europe, and for the United States itself.' He also noted NATO's significant presence in the Arctic, with regular military exercises involving US and Canadian forces under the NORAD framework, some of which have occurred in Greenland. Despite current political tensions, these drills and other routine exercises have not been affected.

The discussions surrounding Greenland arise as the Arctic gains strategic importance due to interest in the Northern Sea Route by Russia and China. Baltrenas mentioned that Sweden and Finland, NATO's newest members, are now fully integrated into the alliance's regional defense plans. He also pointed out Denmark's recent suggestion of a possible NATO mission in Greenland.

Regarding Ukraine, Baltrenas stated that there is no final agreement yet on post-war security guarantees following recent meetings of the 'coalition of the willing.' He underscored that Ukraine's armed forces are the primary guarantor of the country's security. In the context of Europe's ongoing debate about strategic autonomy, Baltrenas asserted that NATO should remain the cornerstone of continental defense, while the European Union should focus on economic and political tools.

Baltrenas further noted the sharp rise in defense spending across the alliance, recalling a decision at the Hague summit to aim for defense budgets of up to 5% of GDP. He reported that all member states have now surpassed the 2% minimum, with Lithuania and other Baltic states already exceeding 5%.