The elected president of the United States, donald trumpgenerated an international stir with its intention to take control of Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark strategically located in the Arctic.
This move provoked immediate reactions from the Kremlin and other global powers, which are closely watching Washington’s interest in this region rich in natural resources.
Russia: “The Arctic is an area of national interest”
Kremlin spokesman Dimitri Peskov said Moscow is closely monitoring Trump’s comments on Greenland and the Arctic. “It is a strategic area for Russia, where we are present and will continue to be,” he said. The region is key for Russia due to its mineral resources, emerging trade routes and its military importance.
America’s vision
Mike Waltz, Trump’s national security adviser, stressed the importance of the Arctic to American national security, mentioning the growing Russian and Chinese presence in the region. Waltz highlighted that Greenland, with its vast mineral resources and geographic proximity, is essential to maintaining the United States’ strategic advantage in the Arctic.
Trump, for his part, left open the possibility of using economic or military measures to acquire Greenland. This is reminiscent of his purchase proposal during his first term, rejected by Denmark, which exercises sovereignty over the territory. Greenlandic Prime Minister Mute Egede reiterated that the island is not for sale, although he expressed his willingness to cooperate with the US administration and NATO.
Reactions in Europe and NATO
The European Union and Denmark defended the territorial integrity of Greenland. Kaja Kallas, head of EU diplomacy, stressed the need to respect Danish sovereignty, while Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated that relations with Washington remain positive. Frederiksen appreciated Trump’s interest in the Arctic, a region crucial not only for security but also for addressing climate change.
From Italy, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described it as “unlikely” that the United States would use military force to acquire Greenland or the Panama Canal, describing Trump’s statements as a strategic message on the global stage.
A new chapter in Arctic competition
The Arctic has acquired increasing geopolitical relevance due to the melting of the polar caps, which opens new sea routes and facilitates access to previously inaccessible resources. Russia, with a fleet of more than 60 icebreakers, is leading the race in the region, while China has also shown interest with investments in Arctic infrastructure.
Trump’s plan for Greenland not only intensifies competition between great powers, but also puts security, climate change and geopolitical balance in an increasingly disputed region at the center of the debate.
Source: Ambito
