Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed a serious stance on President Donald Trump's aspirations to acquire Greenland, a move that has been met with skepticism by critics.
Speaking at the International Arctic Forum in Murmansk, Putin acknowledged the gravity of Trump's intentions to annex the Arctic territory, which is currently under Danish sovereignty. He also voiced concerns over NATO's growing presence in the northern region.
As reported by the Daily Caller, these comments follow a visit by Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance to Greenland, aimed at strengthening ties between the United States and the island. Putin remarked, "In short, the United States has serious plans regarding Greenland. These plans have long historical roots, as I have just mentioned, and it is obvious that the United States will continue to consistently advance its geo-strategic, military-political and economic interests in the Arctic."
In response to the increased military activity by countries such as Finland and Sweden, Putin announced that Russia would bolster its own military presence in the Arctic. He stated that the number of Russian soldiers in the region would "grow" as a countermeasure.
Critics of President Trump have been vocal in their opposition to his Greenland ambitions. Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries dismissed it as an "obsession," while Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer labeled the idea "strange" and "random." The Trump administration's interest in Greenland has reportedly caused concern among Danish leaders and other European officials. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen described the Vances' visit as "unacceptable pressure," according to Reuters.
President Trump has emphasized national security as a primary reason for pursuing control over Greenland. He declared on Truth Social in December that acquiring the island was an "absolute necessity." The United States currently operates the Pittufik U.S. Space Base on Greenland, which includes a radar station integral to the U.S. ballistic missile early warning system, as noted by the Department of Defense.
Greenland's Prime Minister, Mute B. Egede, criticized the Vances' visit as "highly aggressive" in an interview with Greenlandic media on March 23. Egede has previously expressed a desire for Greenland's independence from Denmark, while also resisting the notion of U.S. governance.
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