Russian President Alarms About Trump's 'Serious' Plans To Annex Greenland: 'These Plans Have Long-Standing Historical Roots'

Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed U.S. President Donald Trump‘s intentions to annex Greenland and spoke about the Kremlin’s stance on the matter.

What Happened: Putin expressed his concerns at an Arctic forum held in Murmansk. He emphasized that the U.S. plans for Greenland are not just mere rhetoric but are deeply ‘serious’, reported the South China Morning Post.

Though his remarks did not appear to criticize Trump’s intentions, Putin voiced his fears that the Arctic could be used by the West as a launchpad for future conflicts. Despite Russia not being directly involved in Greenland’s ownership issue, Putin cautioned about NATO countries identifying the far north as a possible conflict zone.

"It is a deep mistake to think that this is some extravagant talk from the new American administration. It is nothing of the sort," confirmed the Russian President. “These plans have long-standing historical roots,” added Putin.

Despite Trump’s persistent requests, Denmark has declined to relinquish control of the island, asserting that the people of Greenland have no desire to join the United States.

Meanwhile, Trump showed no signs of easing his stance towards Greenland.  He told reporters on Thursday that the U.S. will “go as far as we have to go” to get control of Greenland.  “…if we don’t have Greenland, we can’t have great international security,” the U.S. President reiterated.

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Why It Matters: The Arctic, rich in fossil fuels and minerals, is also an area of military competition. Defense analysts have noted Russia’s rapid buildup in the region, reopening Soviet-era bases and modernizing its navy in the region. The U.S. views the Arctic as crucial for national security, including its early warning system against nuclear attacks.

Notably, Putin aims to boost trade via the Northern Sea Route as Russia pivots to Asia instead of Europe due to Western sanctions. He stated that Russia has never threatened anyone in the Arctic but is ready to defend its interests.

Greenland, which is striving for independence from Denmark, is strategically positioned between North America and Europe. The island already hosts a US military base, and U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance is slated to visit on Friday.

U.S. Second Lady Usha Vance faced a cold reception in Greenland. The locals in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, declined to welcome her ahead of her planned visit. This incident further highlights the tension surrounding the U.S.’s interest in Greenland. The longer visit was ultimately scaled back and Usha Vance and Energy Secretary Chris Wright will head the U.S. delegation visiting the Pituffik military space base in the island’s northwest.

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