Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a stark warning about Donald Trump's plans to annex Greenland, calling them "serious" and stating that Russia is closely monitoring the situation.
Speaking at the International Arctic Forum in Murmansk on Thursday, Putin emphasized the strategic significance of Greenland and suggested that Trump’s interest in the island has deep historical roots.
Putin hinted at a potential response from Russia, noting that while his country has never threatened anyone in the Arctic, it remains ready to protect its interests. He also confirmed that Russia plans to increase its military presence in the Arctic.
"We are watching very closely," Putin said, signaling that Russia is prepared to act if necessary.
Greenland holds strategic importance as a buffer zone between North America and Russia, making it a valuable asset in global geopolitics.
Putin’s remarks come as U.S. Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha, are set to visit Pituffik Space Base on Greenland’s northern edge. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz will accompany them on the trip.
Putin noted that the U.S.’s interest in Greenland is not a new development, pointing out that American interest in the island dates back to the 1860s.
"It would be a mistake to think this is just some eccentric idea from the new American administration. The United States had similar plans as far back as the 1860s, but Congress didn’t support them at the time," he explained.
Russia has long viewed the Arctic as a key strategic region. Putin aims to increase trade through Arctic waters, focusing on strengthening ties with Asian partners as Western sanctions over the Ukraine conflict continue to impact Russian businesses. The Arctic’s vast reserves of oil and gas further elevate its importance to the Kremlin.
Meanwhile, Trump has doubled down on his interest in Greenland.
"We need Greenland for international safety and security. We have to have it," Trump told podcaster Vince Coglianese on Wednesday.
Vice President Vance echoed this sentiment in a video posted online, stating that the trip’s goal is to strengthen Greenland’s security.
"We want to reinforce Greenland’s security because it’s important for the security of the entire world," Vance said.
Initially, Usha Vance was scheduled to visit Greenland alone with one of the couple’s children. However, the White House adjusted the itinerary this week, adding the vice president to the trip. The change aims to avoid direct encounters with Greenland residents who may oppose Trump’s annexation plans.
Vance criticized both Denmark and previous U.S. administrations for neglecting Greenland, calling it harmful to both the island and global security.
"Leaders in America and Denmark have ignored Greenland for far too long. That’s been bad for Greenland and bad for global security. We’re hoping to change that direction," he said.
The decision to visit a U.S. military base helps sidestep potential diplomatic tensions, as it avoids the perception of sending a delegation to a semi-autonomous Danish territory without an official invitation.
Putin noted that the U.S.’s interest in Greenland is not a new development, pointing out that American interest in the island dates back to the 1860s.
"It would be a mistake to think this is just some eccentric idea from the new American administration. The United States had similar plans as far back as the 1860s, but Congress didn’t support them at the time," he explained.
Russia has long viewed the Arctic as a key strategic region. Putin aims to increase trade through Arctic waters, focusing on strengthening ties with Asian partners as Western sanctions over the Ukraine conflict continue to impact Russian businesses. The Arctic’s vast reserves of oil and gas further elevate its importance to the Kremlin.
Meanwhile, Trump has doubled down on his interest in Greenland.
"We need Greenland for international safety and security. We have to have it," Trump told podcaster Vince Coglianese on Wednesday.
Vice President Vance echoed this sentiment in a video posted online, stating that the trip’s goal is to strengthen Greenland’s security.
"We want to reinforce Greenland’s security because it’s important for the security of the entire world," Vance said.
Initially, Usha Vance was scheduled to visit Greenland alone with one of the couple’s children. However, the White House adjusted the itinerary this week, adding the vice president to the trip. The change aims to avoid direct encounters with Greenland residents who may oppose Trump’s annexation plans.
Vance criticized both Denmark and previous U.S. administrations for neglecting Greenland, calling it harmful to both the island and global security.
"Leaders in America and Denmark have ignored Greenland for far too long. That’s been bad for Greenland and bad for global security. We’re hoping to change that direction," he said.
The decision to visit a U.S. military base helps sidestep potential diplomatic tensions, as it avoids the perception of sending a delegation to a semi-autonomous Danish territory without an official invitation.
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