How Russia sees opportunity and risk in Trump's Greenland bid

As Washington and European capitals pushed back against President Donald Trump’s renewed bid to acquire Greenland, Moscow watched closely, weighing both opportunity and risk.

Russian officials, state-backed media and pro-Kremlin commentators reacted with a mix of glee, gloating and quiet unease. Trump’s remarks at the World Economic Forum in Davos were widely seen in Moscow as exposing cracks inside NATO, distracting the West from Ukraine and weakening European unity.

At the same time, analysts warned that a stronger US presence in Greenland could complicate Russia’s long-term ambitions in the Arctic, where it has expanded military infrastructure and economic projects.

KREMLIN STRIKES A MEASURED TONE

The Kremlin has neither openly backed nor criticized Trump’s push, instead emphasizing its potential historical and geopolitical impact.

“Regardless of whether it’s good or bad and whether it complies with international law or not, there are international experts who believe that if Trump takes control of Greenland he will go down in history — not only US history, but world history,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

“Without discussing whether it’s good or bad, it’s hard not to agree with these experts,” he added.

President Vladimir Putin has said Trump’s interest in Greenland was unsurprising, noting that the United States had sought control over the territory as early as the 19th century.

“It’s obvious that the United States will continue to systematically advance its geostrategic, military-political and economic interests in the Arctic,” Putin said.

STATE MEDIA PRAISES A HISTORIC MOMENT

Russian state outlets went further, portraying Trump’s bid as a potential turning point in world history.

Government newspaper Rossiyskaya Gazeta compared the move to landmark moments such as the abolition of slavery and the Napoleonic Wars, arguing that Trump could cement his place among America’s most consequential leaders if he succeeds.

“If Trump secures the annexation of Greenland by July 4, 2026,” the paper wrote, “he will undoubtedly join the ranks of historical figures who affirmed the greatness of the United States.”

LAVROV DRAWS CONTROVERSIAL PARALLELS

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov offered comments that appeared sympathetic to Trump’s argument, calling Denmark’s control of Greenland a remnant of colonialism.

“In principle, Greenland isn’t a natural part of Denmark,” Lavrov said.

He also drew parallels between Trump’s Greenland push and Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 — an analogy likely to alarm Western capitals.

“Crimea isn’t less important for the security of the Russian Federation than Greenland is for the United States,” Lavrov said.

NATO UNITY UNDER STRAIN, MOSCOW ARGUES

Several Russian officials and commentators focused on what they see as widening cracks between the US and its European allies.

Kirill Dmitriev, a Kremlin-linked envoy involved in talks with Washington, declared on social media that “transatlantic unity is over.”

Lavrov echoed that view, saying Trump’s bid for Greenland highlights a “deep crisis” within NATO and raises questions about the alliance’s future as a unified military bloc.

State agency RIA Novosti mocked European efforts to show solidarity with Denmark, arguing they lacked both economic and military leverage to challenge Washington.

GREENLAND DIVERTS ATTENTION FROM UKRAINE

Russian state and pro-Kremlin media also portrayed the Greenland dispute as pushing Ukraine down the global agenda — a development they welcomed.

“The world seemed to have forgotten about Ukraine and Zelenskyy,” the tabloid Moskovsky Komsomolets wrote, suggesting Trump’s Greenland push had overshadowed Kyiv’s diplomatic efforts.

RIA Novosti ran a column titled “Greenland knocked out Zelenskyy,” arguing Ukraine would struggle to regain its previous prominence.

ARCTIC ANXIETIES SURFACE BENEATH THE GLOATING

Despite the celebratory tone, concerns emerged over the long-term implications of a US-controlled Greenland for Russia’s Arctic strategy.

Former president Dmitry Medvedev questioned what Trump would be willing to pay to secure Greenland and whether the move could ultimately dismantle NATO.

Pro-Kremlin military blogger Aleksander Kots warned that Trump’s real objective was Russia’s Arctic resources, while Moskovsky Komsomolets described Greenland as “an icy noose around Russia’s throat.”

“The Arctic turns from a zone of cooperation into a zone of confrontation,” the paper warned.

- Ends

With inputs from Associated Press)

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