The Kremlin is closely watching President Donald Trump's efforts to purchase Greenland from Denmark, describing the proposal as extraordinary under international law. Russia has rejected claims of its own interest in the territory, while Trump threatens economic penalties against opposing nations and emphasizes national security needs. Tensions rise as NATO conducts exercises near the Arctic island, drawing rebukes from Moscow and mixed responses within the US.
President Donald Trump has intensified his campaign to acquire Greenland, citing urgent national security imperatives amid perceived threats from Russia and China. On Friday, during a roundtable on rural health care, Trump stated, “I may put a tariff on countries if they don’t go along with Greenland because we need Greenland for national security.” He argued that without US control, “Russia or China will take Greenland,” telling reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, “One way or the other, we’re going to have Greenland.” Trump highlighted Greenland's minimal defenses, describing them as “two dog sleds” in contrast to encircling Russian and Chinese submarines and destroyers. He envisions the island as vital for his “Golden Dome” defense system, urging NATO to lead the acquisition: “NATO should be leading the way for us to get it. IF WE DON’T, RUSSIA OR CHINA WILL, AND THAT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN!”
The Kremlin responded cautiously, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov noting on Friday that the proposal is “extraordinary from the standpoint of international law.” Peskov added that Trump “has said that international law is not a priority for him,” and Russia would observe developments. Earlier, Moscow dismissed allegations of its Arctic ambitions as a “fictitious pretext” for NATO's expansion, accusing the alliance of escalating confrontation: “We consider the alliance’s policy... counterproductive and extremely dangerous.” This comes as Denmark, France, Sweden, and Norway conduct joint military exercises in Greenland, overseen by Denmark for defense.
Diplomatic efforts faltered in a Wednesday White House meeting between Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Greenlandic Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt, Vice President JD Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rasmussen called it “frank and constructive” but affirmed Denmark's “red lines,” stating, “Ideas that would not respect the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark and the right of self-determination of the Greenlandic people are... totally unacceptable.”
Domestically, opposition mounts. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, Trump's special envoy, warned that Russia and China have built more icebreakers in one year than the US in its history, urging reinforcement of the Monroe Doctrine. However, senators including Chris Coons (D-DE), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) visited Denmark on Friday to support its sovereignty. Murkowski declared, “Support in Congress to acquire Greenland in any way is not there.” Trump's past comments, like prioritizing his “own morality” over international law in a New York Times interview, fuel global skepticism.
