German soldiers left Greenland after a short, pre-planned mission, contrary to online narratives that said they withdrew early because of the U.S. president’s threat to impose tariffs on European allies opposed to his administration's bid to buy the Arctic island.

President Trump’s push to take control of the Arctic island is threatening the alliance’s cohesion, one of Germany’s highest ranking officers warned.

A German military reconnaissance team of 15 soldiers recently sent to Greenland are due to leave the Arctic island today for Copenhagen, a military spokesman told dpa on Sunday. The team had arrived on Friday as part of a Danish-led reconnaissance mission ahead of a planned military exercise.

The German military reconnaissance team that arrived in Greenland on Friday is on its way back after a 44-hour deployment on the Arctic island, Bild newspaper reported on Sunday.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on Monday that Greenland belonged to Denmark and that the NATO alliance could discuss strengthening its protection if necessary.

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

President Donald Trump doubled down on his pressure campaign for the annexation of Greenland, arguing there's “no going back” on his ambitions despite the global backlash.

Støre also issued a statement declaring: "I have clearly explained, including to President Trump what is well known - the prize is awarded by an independent Nobel Committee."