Russia mocks Trump's Greenland ambitions as Europe backs Denmark

Tuesday 13 January 2026 - 07:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Russia mocks Trump's Greenland ambitions as Europe backs Denmark

Donald Trump has escalated his push to acquire Greenland, stating aboard Air Force One that the United States will take control of the Arctic territory one way or another. European allies have rallied behind Denmark, while Russia's deputy security council chairman issued a sarcastic suggestion that Greenlanders might opt to join Moscow instead. This intensifying rhetoric has plunged NATO into an unprecedented crisis, with one alliance member threatening to seize territory from another.

Trump told reporters he prefers a negotiated deal but insisted the U.S. would proceed regardless, warning that Russia or China would claim the island if Washington does not act. The Russian response came sharply from Dmitry Medvedev, who posted on social media that Trump should hurry before a surprise referendum sees Greenland's 55,000 residents vote to become Russia's 90th federal subject. Medvedev quipped that this would end any dreams of new stars on the American flag.

Vladimir Putin took a more measured tone at an Arctic forum in Murmansk, describing Trump's plans as serious and historic rather than mere bluster. He maintained that Russia poses no threat to Greenland, calling it a matter between specific countries unrelated to Moscow, while noting U.S. interest in the island dates back to the 1860s.

European leaders drew a firm line in a joint statement from France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Denmark, affirming that Greenland belongs to its people and warning of severe repercussions for any forcible border changes. Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson condemned Washington's threatening language as a violation of international law that could embolden others. Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen cautioned that U.S. military action would spell the end of NATO and the post-World War II security order.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced efforts to bolster Arctic security amid opening sea routes that heighten risks from Russian and Chinese activities. Belgium's Defense Minister Theo Francken proposed a multinational NATO operation in the High North, modeled on existing Baltic missions. Greenland's government affirmed its desire to strengthen defenses within NATO while rejecting U.S. control outright, with all five parliamentary parties insisting they want neither American nor Danish rule but to remain Greenlanders. Trump administration officials are set to meet Danish counterparts this week, though the president maintains Europe's Arctic moves will not sway his stance.