MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Thursday that President Donald Trump’s interest in obtaining Greenland aligns with a historical pattern of U.S. strategic interests in the territory. During a gathering at the Arctic port of Murmansk, Putin recalled that the United States has eyed Greenland since the 19th century, and even proposed a purchase from Denmark after World War II.
“This move should not come as a surprise and is not merely a whimsical idea of the current U.S. administration,” Putin remarked. “The United States is likely to persist in advancing its geostrategic, military, and economic objectives in the Arctic region.” Trump created a stir across Europe with his suggestion that the U.S. should control Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, which is a key NATO ally. The territory’s strategic importance is heightened by its location as a maritime gateway to the Arctic and its wealth of mineral resources.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance and his spouse are scheduled to visit an American military installation in Greenland on Friday, after initially planning a more extensive tour which was curtailed following backlash from Greenlandic and Danish communities.
In his address, Putin also expressed concern about NATO’s presence in the Arctic and vowed to bolster Russia’s military capabilities in the frigid region. “The reference to the Far North as a zone of potential conflict by some NATO members is troubling,” he commented, highlighting Finland and Sweden’s integration into the alliance. “While Russia has not posed threats to anyone in the Arctic, we will monitor developments closely and respond with an enhancement of our military strength and infrastructure modernization.”
Russia aims to reinforce its presence in the Arctic, a theater where it contests with nations like the U.S., Canada, Denmark, and Norway, amid emerging possibilities due to melting ice from climate change that reveal new resources and shipping paths. China has similarly grown its focus on the Arctic, believed to house significant untapped reserves of oil and gas.
“We are committed to protecting our sovereignty and securing our national interests in the polar regions, while advocating for peace and stability,” Putin asserted.
Despite emphasizing military readiness, Putin signaled an openness to international collaboration in the Arctic. “Enhanced positions will yield significant results and broadened opportunities, potentially allowing us to initiate joint international projects with friendly nations and possibly Western countries willing to collaborate. I’m confident the moment will arrive to undertake such initiatives.”
Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund and Putin’s representative for international investment, echoed this sentiment last month, proposing joint U.S.-Russia energy ventures in the Arctic and beyond. “We should focus on collaborative projects, including in the Arctic region,” Dmitriev suggested.