Putin says Trump’s ambitions in Greenland has ‘nothing to do’ with Russia

As Vice President JD Vance prepared for his trip to Greenland to assess U.S. security concerns, Russian President Vladimir Putin made it clear that Washington’s ambitions for the Arctic nation had “nothing to do” with Russia. Speaking at Russia’s Arctic Forum in Murmansk, Putin emphasized that America’s plans in relation to Greenland were serious and rooted in history. He stated that the U.S. would continue to pursue its geo-strategic, military-political, and economic interests in the Arctic, but clarified that Greenland was a matter for specific countries and did not involve Russia.

President Donald Trump reiterated his belief in the strategic importance of Greenland for international safety and security, stating that the island was crucial from a defensive and offensive posture. Despite international pushback, Trump emphasized the need for Greenland and expressed a desire to convince the people of Greenland to become U.S. citizens.

However, Greenland’s citizens and leadership have consistently expressed their desire for full independence from Denmark and have shown no interest in becoming part of the U.S. This sentiment was evident when Greenland’s leaders did not extend an invitation to Vice President Vance and his wife, second lady Usha Vance, sparking a diplomatic controversy.

As Trump continues to assert the necessity of Greenland for U.S. security, Russian officials have suggested the possibility of expanding economic cooperation in the Arctic with the U.S. Putin’s envoy for foreign investment and economic cooperation, Kirill Dmitriev, mentioned potential investment opportunities in logistics and other sectors beneficial to both countries. However, Dmitriev emphasized that any deals would depend on the resolution of the ongoing war in Ukraine, a conflict that has strained relations between Russia and the West.

Putin reiterated his stance on Ukraine during his address from the Arctic, proposing the establishment of a transitional administration in the country. However, it is unlikely that Ukraine or its European partners, including France and the U.K., would agree to Putin’s conditions, which include lifting sanctions and removing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy from office.

The situation in the Arctic remains complex, with competing interests and geopolitical tensions shaping the region’s future. As Vice President Vance embarks on his trip to Greenland, the world watches closely to see how the U.S. will navigate these challenges and engage with key stakeholders in the Arctic.