Quote from Alex bobby on January 10, 2025, 6:00 AM

Russia Monitors Greenland Situation Amid U.S. Interest: Arctic Tensions Rise

London – Russia announced Thursday that it is closely monitoring developments surrounding Greenland following remarks by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who refused to rule out potential military or economic measures aimed at taking control of the territory from Denmark. The Kremlin's response highlights growing tensions in the Arctic region, as global powers vie for strategic and economic influence in the rapidly changing area.

“We are observing this rather dramatic development of the situation, but so far, thank God, [it remains] at the level of statements,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters. Peskov underscored Russia's vested interest in the Arctic, declaring, “The Arctic zone is a zone of our national and strategic interests. We are present in the Arctic zone, and we will continue to be there.”

Strategic Importance of Greenland

Greenland, an autonomous territory under the Kingdom of Denmark since 1953, holds significant geopolitical value due to its location and natural resources. Its position above the Arctic Circle and its proximity to the North American continent have long made it a point of strategic interest for the United States and other major powers.

During a press conference in Florida on Tuesday, Trump emphasized the importance of Greenland for U.S. national security. He refused to dismiss the possibility of using economic or military means to gain influence over the island.

“People don’t even know if Denmark has any legal right to it. But if they do, they should give it up because we need it for national security. That’s for the free world. I’m talking about protecting the free world,” Trump said. “You have Chinese ships all over the place. You have Russian ships all over the place. We’re not letting that happen,” he added.

Arctic Geopolitics

The Arctic region, including Greenland, is rapidly warming due to climate change, opening up new shipping routes and exposing previously inaccessible mineral resources. This shift has heightened competition among major powers, including the United States, Russia, and China.

“The Arctic is increasingly becoming a zone of great power competition and rivalry. And the United States is concerned it is losing this game,” said Liana Fix, an analyst with the Council on Foreign Relations. “The Arctic becomes much more accessible, both for trading goods but also for critical minerals, especially for rare earth [minerals]. And also it becomes increasingly a militarized zone,” she added, noting the growing cooperation between Russia and China in the region.

Denmark’s Response

Denmark has firmly rejected any notion of selling Greenland. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen dismissed concerns that Trump’s comments could create a foreign policy crisis, stating, “I see a president who is on his way into the White House, who has a heightened focus on the Arctic, and I can understand that he has that. We also have that from the Danish side, and we also have that within NATO.”

Despite the firm stance, analysts believe Denmark faces a delicate balancing act. “It is very clear for Denmark, too, that increased cooperation with the United States both on investments in Greenland but also on military cooperation would be actually in the interest of everyone,” Fix told VOA.

European Leaders React

Trump’s comments have elicited cautious responses from several European leaders. While most refrained from direct criticism, they underscored the importance of respecting national sovereignty.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized the principle of inviolability of borders. “The principle of inviolability of borders applies to every country, regardless of whether it is to the east or west of us,” he said.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot was more direct, declaring, “It is out of the question for the European Union to let any nation in the world, whichever it is — and let me say starting with Russia — define its sovereign borders.”

Greenland's Push for Independence

Meanwhile, Greenland’s government is advocating for a referendum on full independence. The island’s leaders have reiterated that any decision about Greenland’s future will rest with its people.

“Greenland is on its way into a new era and a new year in which Greenland has been at the center of world attention. The Greenlandic people are one people, regardless of where they live. And as people in the times we live in, we must be united to be ready for a new future that our country is on its way to,” Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede said during a visit to Copenhagen on Thursday.

A Region in Flux

As the Arctic continues to transform, so too does its geopolitical landscape. Russia’s announcement that it is closely monitoring U.S. moves in Greenland underscores the heightened tensions and the region’s growing strategic importance. With climate change unlocking new opportunities and risks in the Arctic, the world’s leading powers are increasingly focused on securing their interests.

Denmark, Greenland, and other stakeholders must navigate this complex environment carefully, balancing national interests, international partnerships, and the aspirations of the Greenlandic people. Whether through diplomacy, economic investment, or military posturing, it is clear that the Arctic will remain a focal point of global attention for years to come.