Vilnius: Lithuania should consider taking part in military exercises in Greenland as European countries begin deploying troops to the Arctic island, Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys said on Friday. Speaking to public broadcaster LRT Radio, Budrys emphasized the importance of expanding Lithuania's security outlook beyond its immediate region and maintaining participation in allied missions abroad as a viable option. "We definitely should consider it," Budrys remarked, referring to upcoming exercises. "There will be these exercises, then follow-up exercises, and we will talk about a cycle of exercises."

According to Anadolu Agency, Germany, France, Sweden, and Norway announced earlier this week a joint mission to Greenland, following talks in Washington between US, Danish, and Greenlandic officials that failed to resolve key disagreements over the island. Budrys highlighted that Lithuania's discussions with allies have never been confined to its borders, the Suwalki Corridor, or the Baltic Sea. "We have our contribution that we can offer," Budrys stated. "This must be on the agenda if there is such a need, of course, in consultation with allies and assessing how to do this effectively."

The strategic importance of Greenland has been underscored by US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly expressed a desire to annex the semi-autonomous Danish territory. The White House announced Thursday that the deployment of European troops to Greenland would not impact Trump's plans to take control of the island from Denmark.