Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has stated that Russia is closely monitoring developments following US President-elect Donald Trump’s refusal to dismiss the possibility of military action regarding Greenland, a territory of Denmark.
Peskov highlighted that the Arctic falls within Russia’s “sphere of national and strategic interests,” emphasizing the country’s commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region.
Trump’s comments concerning Greenland have prompted strong reactions from European leaders. EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas underscored the importance of respecting Greenland’s territorial integrity, while German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reiterated that “borders must not be moved by force.”
In his recent statements, Trump argued that the US requires both Denmark and the Panama Canal for its “economic security” and did not rule out either economic or military means to acquire these assets.
He also described the US-Canada border as an “artificially drawn line.” Notably, both Denmark and Canada are key NATO allies of the United States.
Peskov mentioned that Trump’s remarks are ultimately a concern for the US, Denmark, and other involved nations, but indicated that Russia is observing the “rather dramatic” situation surrounding these comments. “We are present in the Arctic zone, and we will continue our presence there,” he affirmed.
Outgoing US Secretary of State Antony Blinken attempted to alleviate concerns during his visit to Paris, remarking, “The idea is… obviously not a good one, but maybe more important, it’s obviously one that’s not going to happen.”
Greenland, home to approximately 56,000 residents, hosts both US and Danish military bases and is rich in untapped mineral and oil resources.
Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede has advocated for the territory’s independence, although its economy heavily relies on Danish subsidies. Both Egede and the Danish Prime Minister emphasized that Greenland is “not for sale” and that its future should be determined by its people.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy acknowledged the intensity of Trump’s rhetoric while downplaying its implications, stating that it can often be destabilizing.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen affirmed Copenhagen’s interest in ensuring that the US, “absolutely its closest ally,” plays a significant role, particularly amid rising tensions in the North Atlantic related to Russia.
The European Commission characterized Trump’s threats regarding Greenland as “extremely theoretical” and “wildly hypothetical,” especially given that he is not yet in office.
However, it confirmed that Greenland, as an overseas territory, is protected under a mutual defense agreement which requires all EU states to assist it in case of an attack.
The Kremlin dismissed the European response as “very timid… almost in a whisper.”
Recently, Greenland’s leader expressed a desire to break free from “the shackles of colonialism,” without directly addressing the US.
Pele Broberg, a former Greenland foreign minister and current opposition party leader, reported that many Greenlanders value their relationship with the US for their defense and security.
“We are part of the North American continent, which is why the defense of the US is crucial for Greenland, providing a buffer zone that doesn’t require militarization,” he stated.
Broberg has proposed a “free association agreement” with the US focusing on trade and defense, allowing Greenland to maintain independence while giving the US security responsibilities.
Trump’s allies have echoed his views regarding Greenland. Keith Kellogg, selected by Trump to help conclude the conflict in Ukraine, stated that the president-elect’s comments on Greenland align with advancing US global leadership.
Republican Congressman Mike Walz remarked that the situation involves broader issues concerning the Arctic, suggesting that Russia is seeking to exert control over the region’s natural resources. “Denmark can be a great ally, but Greenland, which it controls operationally, cannot be treated as a backwater – it’s part of the Western hemisphere,” he added.
