Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has described recent US remarks about Greenland as a negotiation tactic rather than a sign of real military intent. In an interview with Finland’s public broadcaster Yle on Friday, Orpo warned that any potential military occupation of Greenland would create a catastrophic situation, especially if one NATO member intervened militarily in another member’s territory.

Orpo emphasized that NATO remains a valuable alliance for the United States and said he does not believe Washington would take such an extreme step as seizing Greenland. He acknowledged that Finland’s security and defense are heavily dependent on the United States but reaffirmed his country’s commitment to a multilateral world order, the role of the United Nations, and adherence to international law.

He further stated that the future of Greenland should be determined by the people of Greenland and Denmark. The comments followed US President Donald Trump’s renewed expression of interest in acquiring Greenland for national security reasons after a military operation in Venezuela on January 3.