Russia warns of countermeasures over potential militarization of Greenland

Wednesday 11 February 2026 - 13:30

By: Sahili Aya

Russia warns of countermeasures over potential militarization of Greenland

Russia has warned it will take “appropriate countermeasures,” including military-technical actions, if Western countries expand their military presence in Greenland. The statement was delivered by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov during an address to the Russian Parliament on Wednesday.

Lavrov said that any move to militarize Greenland or establish military infrastructure directed against Russia would prompt a response from Moscow. His remarks come amid growing strategic interest in the Arctic, where security dynamics have intensified in recent years.

Several European countries have recently deployed small troop contingents to Greenland, an autonomous territory under the sovereignty of Denmark. The Arctic island has gained increasing geopolitical importance due to its location and natural resources.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in expanding American influence over Greenland, citing security concerns related to Russia and China in the Arctic region. Although discussions reportedly took place regarding a framework for greater U.S. involvement, Denmark and Greenland have firmly rejected any notion of transferring sovereignty, emphasizing that the territory is not for sale.

Lavrov stated that the matter should be resolved between the United States, Denmark, and Greenland, while also criticizing Copenhagen’s treatment of Greenland’s approximately 57,000 residents.

Meanwhile, NATO has begun preliminary planning for a mission aimed at strengthening security in the Arctic, highlighting the region’s growing strategic significance in global defense calculations.