Putin Warns Against Dismissing U.S. Interest in Greenland

Russian President Vladimir Putin has cautioned against underestimating U.S. President Donald Trump’s push to acquire Greenland, calling it a continuation of longstanding American strategic interests in the Arctic. Speaking in Murmansk on Thursday, Putin noted that the United States has pursued control of the mineral-rich territory for over a century.

“It is a profound mistake to treat it as some preposterous talk by the new U.S. administration. Nothing of the sort,” Putin said, referring to Trump’s stated intent to annex Greenland. He added that U.S. ambitions date back to the 1860s and that Washington had previously sought to purchase Greenland from Denmark after World War II.

“In short, the United States has serious plans regarding Greenland. These plans have long historical roots, and it is obvious that the United States will continue to consistently advance its geo-strategic, military-political, and economic interests in the Arctic,” Putin stated.

His remarks come as U.S. Vice President JD Vance prepares to lead a high-level delegation to Greenland on Friday. In a social media post earlier this week, Vance said he and his wife, Usha Vance, would assess security conditions in the territory.

Trump has repeatedly emphasized the importance of gaining control over Greenland, calling it an “absolute necessity” for national security. However, both Greenland and Denmark have firmly opposed the idea. Mute Egede, Greenland’s outgoing prime minister, responded earlier this month, saying, “Don’t keep treating us with disrespect. Enough is enough.”

Arctic Geopolitics and NATO Expansion

Putin also underscored the Arctic’s increasing global significance, stating that geopolitical competition in the region is escalating. He reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to strengthening its presence in the Arctic, including improving transport infrastructure and logistics.

While distancing Russia from the tensions between the U.S. and Greenland, Putin expressed concerns over NATO’s growing military activities in the Far North. “NATO countries are increasingly designating the Arctic as a springboard for possible conflicts and are practicing the use of troops in these conditions,” he warned.

He pointed to Finland and Sweden, which joined NATO in 2023 and 2024, respectively, as examples of shifting geopolitical dynamics. “We had no issues with them until recently, but now they are creating problems,” Putin said. “Why? It is impossible to understand. But nevertheless, we will proceed from current realities and will respond to all this.”

Russia, he stated, is closely monitoring developments in the Arctic and has developed a response strategy that includes strengthening its military capabilities and modernizing its infrastructure in the region.

“We will not tolerate any encroachments on our country’s sovereignty and will steadfastly safeguard our national interests,” Putin declared.

Finland and Sweden, long known for their military neutrality, changed course following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. While Finland shares a land border with Russia, Sweden has a maritime boundary with the country.

Emel R. Gülcan, SLHA and news agencies
28 March 2025