Russias Mockery: The Arctic Tension over Trumps Greenland Aspirations

Russian officials and pro-Kremlin figures have accused Western nations of “militarizing” the Arctic, mocking what they perceive as Europe’s failure to defend Greenland, especially after U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his desire to take control of the mineral-rich island.

Trump has suggested annexing Greenland, which is an autonomous region of Denmark, asserting its importance for his proposed Golden Dome air and missile defense initiative, despite strong opposition from Greenland and Denmark.

The White House stated on Wednesday that if the U.S. does not secure control over Greenland for national security purposes, “Russia or China will” likely take over.

In light of these tensions, Moscow has conveyed “serious concern” and accused the West of militarizing the island, especially as European military personnel have begun deploying to Greenland.

Russia’s Embassy in Belgium, where NATO is based, claimed the alliance is leveraging Trump’s remarks “to promote an anti-Russian and anti-Chinese agenda.”

“NATO is on a path of accelerated militarization of the Arctic, enhancing its military footprint under the pretense of an increasing threat from Moscow and Beijing,” the embassy declared in a statement on Wednesday evening.

They further alleged that European officials are already contemplating strategies to encircle the island and establish a sizable collective landing force, accusing them of conjuring “mythical threats” of their own making.

Copenhagen announced on Thursday that the U.S. objective to control Greenland remains unchanged following meetings between Denmark’s and Greenland’s foreign ministers and U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington.

Countries such as France, Sweden, Germany, and Norway indicated on Wednesday that they would be sending military personnel to Greenland amid escalating tensions.

“More NATO soldiers are expected to be deployed in Greenland from today and in the coming days. Increased military flights and naval presence are anticipated,” stated Greenland’s Deputy Prime Minister Mute Egede on Wednesday, adding the purpose would be for “training.”

Germany’s Defense Ministry noted on Thursday that a reconnaissance mission involving several European NATO allies aims to explore security measures “in light of threats posed by Russia and China in the Arctic.”

The Foreign Ministry of Russia reiterated its stance that the Arctic should remain “a zone of peace, dialogue, and equitable cooperation.”

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova used Trump’s comments to mock the EU, suggesting a similar response to U.S. actions regarding Greenland as they had to Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, which the West does not recognize.

“Let them reflect on their rhetoric concerning Crimea,” Zakharova remarked in an interview with state-run Sputnik Radio. “It would benefit them to become indignant over Greenland.”

She emphasized that EU leaders should prioritize European issues rather than international ones, referring to the bloc’s commentary on anti-government protests in Iran.

“Why not direct all efforts toward Greenland now?” Zakharova proposed.

“Isn’t it possible that the situation in Iran is merely a ‘convenient distraction’ for EU officials, diverting attention from the fact that an island is being taken from them — without a referendum?” she added, evidently alluding to the Russian-held referendum in Crimea.

Former Russian President and Deputy Chairman of the Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev, also referenced Crimea humorously, suggesting that if Trump delayed too long, Greenlanders might choose to hold a referendum to join Russia.

“According to unverified reports, an unexpected referendum might occur,” Medvedev quipped, joking that Greenland, with its population of 55,000, could become Russia’s “90th federal subject.”

He also mockingly questioned Europe’s capability to defend Greenland, asking sarcastically: “What [will they] do?! … Launch nuclear attacks on the U.S.?”

“They’ll simply panic and relinquish Greenland. That would set a remarkable precedent for Europe,” he commented in a post on X on Wednesday.

Pro-Kremlin media magnate Konstantin Malofeyev claimed that only Russia could “rescue” Greenland from an American takeover, implying that Denmark’s allies would likely be ineffective.

“Only Russia can prevent this. To save Greenland, Europe, and uphold a multipolar world,” he asserted.

Russia’s Ambassador to Denmark, Vladimir Barbin, reiterated Moscow’s broader messages, accusing Greenland of harboring anti-Russian attitudes.

«Denmark has opted to forgo extensive international cooperation in the Arctic in favor of a confrontational stance towards Russia,” Barbin stated, accusing Denmark of “double standards in its foreign policy.”

Pro-Kremlin analyst Sergei Markov also suggested that Denmark was facing “divine retribution” due to its apparent anti-Russian stance.

“Denmark’s push to incite Russophobic hysteria has consistently claimed that Greenland was under threat from Russia. However, they could never clearly explain how it was truly threatened — they’ve fabricated the Russian threat repeatedly,” Markov noted.

“Now Trump is seeking to take Greenland from Denmark, citing the need to protect it from Russian threats. With its inadequate military, Denmark cannot safeguard Greenland from Russia, hence the necessity for U.S. intervention,” he stated.

“Isn’t that simply fair? Strikingly fair indeed.”