On Thursday, Vladimir Putin issued a stark warning about the potential for future conflict in the Arctic, stating that Donald Trump is “serious” about annexing Greenland.
Putin, speaking at the International Arctic Forum in Murmansk, Russia, emphasized that Russia is “watching very closely” as the situation develops.
“We are talking about serious plans on the American side regarding Greenland. These plans have deep historical roots,” Putin remarked.
Russian President Vladimir Putin told the International Arctic Forum that they are closely watching President Donald Trump’s interest in Greenland
In his comments, Putin emphasized that the idea of taking over Greenland is “not eccentric talk” from the Trump administration.
He also highlighted that the United States has had a long-standing interest in Greenland, dating back to the 19th century.
“It would be a grave mistake to dismiss these as just extravagant remarks from the new American administration,” Putin said.
“Not at all. The United States has had such plans since the 1860s,” he continued.
He added that, at the time, there was no support in Congress to annex the island.
The Kremlin views the Arctic as a region of strategic importance.
Putin aims to boost Russia’s trade routes through Arctic waters, as Moscow shifts focus to Asian partners in light of Western sanctions over his invasion of Ukraine, which have negatively impacted Russian businesses.
With the longest Arctic coastline of any nation, Russia’s interest in the region is further driven by its vast reserves of oil and gas, which are crucial for the Kremlin’s economic ambitions.
Meanwhile, Trump reaffirmed his commitment to acquiring the island.
“We need Greenland for international safety and security. We need it. We have to have it,” he told podcaster Vince Coglianese on Wednesday. “I hate to put it that way, but we’re going to have to have it.”
‘We need Greenland for international safety and security,’ President Donald Trump said
Vice President JD Vance and wife Usha Vance will visit the U.S. Space Force outpost at Pituffik
In a video shared online, Vance explained that he was accompanying his wife on her trip to Greenland “just to check out what’s going on with the security there.”
“We want to reinvigorate the security of Greenland because we believe it’s crucial to the security of the entire world,” Vance said.
Initially, Usha was set to travel solo to the island with one of their children, but this week, the administration altered their plans, adding the vice president to the trip.
This shift in itinerary also reduces the likelihood of the Vances encountering local residents upset by Trump’s efforts to annex the island, which is a semi-autonomous Danish territory.
Vance criticized both Denmark and previous U.S. administrations for “ignoring” Greenland “for far too long.”
“Leaders in America and Denmark have ignored Greenland for far too long, and that’s been bad for Greenland. It’s also been bad for global security. We think we can change that, so I’m going to check it out,” he said in the video.
Furthermore, the decision to visit a U.S. military base has sidestepped any potential diplomatic issues, as it avoids sending a delegation to another country without an official invitation.
Pituffik Space Base in Greenland, where the Vances will visit
Apartment buildings and houses are pictured in Nuuk, Greenland
A young boy walks between residential blocks in Nuuk, Greeland
Greenland leaders made it clear that the U.S. delegation was neither invited nor wanted
Greenland holds significant strategic importance for the U.S. military, particularly in relation to its ballistic missile early-warning system. The island’s position in the Arctic serves as a key buffer between North America and Russia.
Despite its size—three times that of Texas—Greenland has no standing army and depends on Denmark for defense. Under a 1951 agreement, the United States gained the right to move freely and build military bases on Greenland, provided Denmark and Greenland are notified.
Initially, Usha Vance’s office announced that the second lady would arrive in Greenland on Thursday and return Saturday. She and one of their three children had planned to visit historic landmarks, watch a dog race, and learn about the island’s culture.
However, Greenland’s Prime Minister, Mute Egede, denounced the trip as “highly aggressive” and pointed out that no invitations—neither official nor private—had been extended for such a visit.
Denmark also criticized the visit, calling it part of an “unacceptable pressure” on Greenland. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen told local broadcasters DR and TV2, “This is clearly not a visit that addresses Greenland’s needs or wishes. It’s unacceptable pressure being placed on Greenland and Denmark, and it’s pressure we will stand up to.”
Frederiksen also emphasized that President Trump’s intentions regarding Greenland are serious: “He wants Greenland.”
However, following changes to the American travel plans, Denmark softened its stance somewhat. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen told DR, “I have to speak diplomatically, but in many ways, it’s a masterful spin to make it look like they’re escalating when they’re really de-escalating.”
Løkke expressed a more positive view of the altered plans, stating, “I think it’s very positive that the Americans have canceled their visit among Greenlandic society. They will only visit their own base, Pituffik, and we have nothing against that.”
Protesters outside the U.S. consulate in Nuuk, Greenland
Polls indicate that nearly all Greenlanders oppose becoming part of the United States. Anti-American protests have been seen on the island, with demonstrators sporting “Make America Go Away” caps and waving “Yankees Go Home” banners, some of which were displayed outside the U.S. consulate in Nuuk, the capital.
There are still many questions surrounding Trump’s interest in the self-governing territory. The president has stated that Greenland is crucial for U.S. national security, citing its underwhelming defense by Denmark. He’s also highlighted the value of Greenland’s critical minerals.
However, his primary focus seems to be on acquiring the island—a goal he first expressed during his initial presidency. Trump has also voiced interest in regaining control of the Panama Canal and has referred to Canada as the “51st state.”
At a recent cabinet meeting, Trump remarked, “I think Greenland’s going to be something that maybe is in our future. I think it’s important. It’s important from the standpoint of international security.”
