Russian President Vladimir Putin talks with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov at the summit of leaders of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) member states in Moscow, Russia, on October 8, 2024.
Sergei Ilnitsky | Reuters
The Kremlin said on Thursday it was closely monitoring President-elect Donald Trump’s continued pursuit of Greenland.
Earlier this week, Trump said he would not rule out using military force to seize the strategically important Arctic island, an autonomous territory of Denmark, saying it was in U.S. economic and national interests.
Trump’s comments received some support from pro-Kremlin figures in Russia, some of whom are close to President Vladimir Putin Said any U.S. move to assert sovereignty over Greenland would legitimize Russia’s own expansionist goals and the ambition to restore former Soviet territories, such as the Baltics, to their sphere of influence and power.
European leaders have Warns President-elect Trump not to seize Greenlandsaid the move would violate international borders, while Denmark and Greenland said the island, where the United States has a military base, was “not for sale.”
Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov told CNBC on Thursday that Russia was monitoring the situation closely.
“We are watching with interest what Washington says on these topics,” he said in emailed comments to CNBC, translated by Google.
According to the commentary, in the Kremlin’s first public comments on the matter, Peskov earlier told reporters that Trump’s “assertion may be more of a matter of bilateral relations between the United States and Denmark.” According to Russian state news agency TASS And translated by Google.
“Thank God, so far (the situation remains) at the level of declarations,” Peskov said.
What did Trump say?
Trump said on his social media platform Truth Social in December that he believed “ownership” of Greenland was vital to the U.S. economy and national security and reiterated his bid for Greenland during his term in office. first presidential term.
On Tuesday, Trump doubled down on those comments and said he would not rule out using force to seize Greenland and the Panama Canal. Trump has also floated the idea of turning Canada into the 51st state and renaming the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America.
Trump’s comments were condemned in Europe, with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrow saying on Wednesday that the EU would not tolerate attacks on its sovereign borders.
There is a good chance that the Russian leadership is watching Trump’s proposals – whether they are feasible or not – with interest, especially given its own interests in the Arctic, In recent decades, the region has expanded its political, economic and military influence.
Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark but has ties to the United States, which built military installations on the island after World War II. During the war, Denmark was occupied by Nazi Germany, prompting Copenhagen and the United States to sign an agreement in 1941 that gave the United States control of Greenland’s defense.
“Absurd” idea
Denmark has been strongly opposed to Trump’s ambition to acquire the island, with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen calling the idea “ridiculous” when Trump first floated the idea in 2019.
Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede reiterated that view after Trump’s comments in December explain: “We will not sell and will not sell” and “Greenland belongs to the people of Greenland”.
However, Trump’s announcement appeared to unnerve Denmark, which in recent weeks has been trying to establish its own authority and ownership of the island.
Hours after Trump’s comments in December, Copenhagen announced It will increase Greenland’s defense spending giving it “a stronger presence in the Arctic.” That was followed by Monday’s announcement that Denmark’s King Frederik X had updated his historic coat of arms, giving Greenland and the Faroe Islands greater symbolic significance and declaring them a core part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
Apparently undeterred by the cold reception from Greenland and Denmark, Trump announced on Monday that his son, Donald Trump Jr., would make an impromptu visit to the island.
Confirm access to Truth Social, Trump said: “My son, Don Jr., and fellow delegates will be traveling there to visit some of the most magnificent areas and attractions. Greenland is an incredible place and the people will benefit greatly if it becomes part of our country and we will protect it. , cherish it, protect it from the outside world, and make Greenland great again!” Trump said.
