Moscow, Russia. Russian officials and pro-Kremlin figures have welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump’s drive to acquire Greenland, saying it exposes divisions with Europe even as the move could carry security implications for Moscow’s Arctic ambitions.
Kremlin comments on Greenland
The Kremlin said Trump would go down in history if he took control of Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory.
“There are international experts who believe that by resolving the issue of Greenland’s incorporation, Trump will certainly go down in history. And not only in the history of the United States, but also in world history,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday.
“It’s hard not to agree with these experts.”
Reactions from senior Russian figures
President Vladimir Putin’s special envoy Kirill Dmitriev hailed what he described as the “collapse of the transatlantic union.” Former President Dmitry Medvedev joked about Europe getting poorer.
The daily Moskovsky Komsomolets said it was a pleasure to watch Europe being “at a total loss” after Trump said he would put rising tariffs on goods imported from some European countries until the United States is allowed to buy Greenland.
“Make America Great Again (MAGA) = Make Danmark Small Again (MDSA) = Make Europe Poor Again (MEPA). Has this idea finally sunk in, dimwits?” Medvedev, now deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, said.
Ukraine context and Russian caution
Criticism of Trump over Greenland has been notably absent at a time when Russia wants to keep him onside to ensure any end to the war in Ukraine is on Moscow’s terms, even though traditional Russian allies Venezuela and Iran are also in his crosshairs.
Dmitriev, who is involved in talks with the U.S. on the war in Ukraine, mocked European leaders in posts on social media.
“Collapse of the transatlantic union. Finally — something actually worth discussing in Davos,” Dmitriev said. He is due to meet U.S. envoys on Ukraine during the World Economic Forum in the Swiss resort this week.
Dmitriev said on X that “Putin understands the U.S. rationale on Greenland,” linking to a speech in which Putin said U.S. designs on Greenland had deep historical roots.
How do you think growing tensions over Greenland could affect Europe’s relationship with the United States?
