Denmark is to increase its military presence in and around Greenland, and Sweden is participating. According to Kristersson, Sweden has sent "a few officers" - a couple or three - to the island, who will arrive as early as Wednesday.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) describes it as a preparation for upcoming exercises that Denmark has been planning for a long time.
"To show that we are also capable of strengthening the defense of Greenland together with allies and neighbours," he says.
"So there is no drama in this, but it is a clear way to show that many countries stand behind Denmark and that we can jointly defend Greenland in different ways."
Deter Russia and China
Sweden is sending officers at Denmark's request; according to the Prime Minister they are unarmed. They are part of a group from several allied countries that will together prepare elements as part of the Danish exercise Operation Arctic Endurance.
Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard (M) says that with the deployment, Sweden wants to "show that we take security in the Arctic seriously."
"We have seen an increased presence, not least from Russia and China," the Foreign Minister says.
Is it Russia and China you want to deter?
"That is the main purpose," Stenergard says.
"Needs" Greenland
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly said that the US "needs" Greenland for security reasons. Denmark’s increase in military presence can be seen as a response to this, but also to the generally deteriorating security situation in the Arctic.
Other party leaders are positive about Sweden sending military personnel.
"It's good and completely in line with what we Social Democrats have proposed," says S leader Magdalena Andersson.
"If Donald Trump is now concerned about the security situation in Greenland, there may be reason to increase NATO's military presence," she continues.
"Support Greenland"
"For me, it is obvious that we in Sweden should support Greenland and Denmark in the way they wish," says MP spokesperson Amanda Lind, who thinks Trump should "keep his paws off."
Center leader Elisabeth Thand Ringqvist:
"All measures and steps are important to highlight that we are part of NATO and that we help our neighboring countries as best we can."
