Russian officials and prominent pro-Kremlin voices are openly mocking Europe’s ability to defend Greenland, while simultaneously floating the idea that Russia itself could step in and take control of the strategically important Arctic territory.
At the same time, Moscow is accusing Western countries of “militarizing” the Arctic, despite Russia’s own expanding military footprint in the region. The rhetoric intensified after U.S. President Donald Trump once again claimed that Greenland is vital to American national security and suggested that if Washington does not assert control, Russia or China might do so instead.
The White House echoed that framing earlier this week, arguing that failure by the U.S. to secure Greenland would leave the door open to rival powers. Pro-Kremlin billionaire and media figure Konstantin Malofeyev went even further, claiming that Russia alone has the strength to determine Greenland’s future. According to reporting by The Moscow Times, Malofeyev argued that Denmark’s allies would be unable or unwilling to meaningfully defend the island.
“Only Russia can stop this,” Malofeyev claimed, presenting Moscow as a supposed defender of Greenland, Europe, and what he called a “multipolar world.” The statement was widely seen as both provocative and ironic, given Russia’s record of violating the sovereignty of neighboring countries.
Russia’s Embassy in Belgium, where NATO is headquartered, also weighed in, accusing the alliance of exploiting Trump’s statements to justify a broader anti-Russian and anti-Chinese agenda. In a statement issued late Wednesday, the embassy claimed NATO was rapidly militarizing the Arctic under what it described as a fabricated threat from Moscow and Beijing.
Dmitry Medvedev, Russia’s former president and now deputy chairman of the Security Council, added his own inflammatory comments. He suggested that Russia could eventually claim Greenland and speculated without evidence that a referendum could be held in which Greenlanders might choose to join Russia if Trump delayed his ambitions.
Mocking Europe’s response, Medvedev derided the idea that European countries could effectively defend Greenland, sarcastically asking whether they would “nuke the U.S.” before dismissing them as too weak to resist pressure. His remarks drew criticism for their crude tone and thinly veiled threats.
Meanwhile, European governments are taking steps to reinforce cooperation around Greenland’s security. Reports indicate that allied nations are coordinating contingency plans and increasing their presence in the region. Britain has sent a military officer to Greenland at Denmark’s request, as Copenhagen strengthens its defense posture in the Arctic and High North in response to growing geopolitical tensions.
Denmark’s defense minister, Troels Lund Poulsen, confirmed that an upcoming joint operation would involve several allied countries and warned that the security environment remains unpredictable. British officials clarified that their officer’s presence is part of a reconnaissance team preparing for the Arctic Endurance exercise, stressing that it does not amount to a full military deployment.
Germany, Sweden, Norway, and France have also announced plans to contribute personnel to the joint effort, underscoring Europe’s collective interest in Arctic stability.
From Greenland itself, leaders have pushed back strongly against the escalating rhetoric. Speaking in Westminster, Greenland’s energy minister, Naaja Nathanielsen, warned that any U.S. military intervention would represent a “breakdown of the rule of law” and force Western allies to confront a dramatically altered global order. She described the language surrounding Greenland as offensive and confusing, noting that the island has consistently cooperated with the United States and acknowledged its strategic importance.
Greenland’s Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, has been equally clear, stating that Greenland prefers to remain part of the Kingdom of Denmark and has no desire to become part of the United States.
Taken together, the episode highlights growing instability in Arctic geopolitics, with Russia exploiting Trump’s remarks to sow division, question Europe’s resolve, and position itself as a powerbroker while Greenland’s own leaders continue to emphasize sovereignty, international law, and their right to determine their own future.
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