Russia denies having aggressive plans regarding Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark coveted for its strategic position in the Arctic. Russian Ambassador to Denmark, Vladimir Barbin, stated this in comments to the TASS agency, rejecting any intention to threaten or occupy the island.
Statements from the Russian Ambassador
“We do not have aggressive plans regarding Greenland nor against Arctic neighbors”, emphasized Barbin. He highlighted that Russia does not resort to military blackmail nor intends to expand, unlike what some claim in NATO. He cited Danish Foreign Minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, who denied threats from Moscow or Beijing towards the region.
Tensions due to US claims
The statements arise in the midst of US pressures, whose President Donald Trump has insisted on acquiring Greenland to prevent it from falling into Russian or Chinese hands. The Kremlin, through its spokesperson Dmitri Peskov, describes the situation as “abnormal” according to international law, recalling that Trump has admitted not prioritizing it.
Position of Russia and criticism of NATO
Barbin accused NATO countries, including Denmark, of using the “russian or chinese threat fetish” to justify the militarization of the Arctic. This, according to him, deteriorates regional security instead of strengthening it. Russian spokesperson Maria Zakharova added that Moscow closely monitors events and advocates for negotiated solutions under international norms.
Historically, Greenland hosts key military bases, such as Thule, under US control since World War II. Its mineral resources and melted sea routes due to climate change make it a geopolitical focus. Experts in international relations point out that 80% of its exports are fish, but deposits of rare earths attract global investments.
- Russia emphasizes peaceful Arctic cooperation, with agreements like the Arctic Council since 1996.
- US renewed interest in 2019 with purchase offers rejected by Denmark.
- China invests in local infrastructure, fueling Western concerns.
The island, with 56,000 inhabitants mostly Inuit, maintains autonomy but depends on Copenhagen for defense. These disputes elevate risks in a region with retreating glaciers and potential for new naval routes.
Implications in the Arctic
Russian monitoring confirms constant attention without aggressive plans regarding Greenland. Peskov stressed that Danish sovereignty must be respected. Analysts highlight that tensions could alter balances in the Arctic, where eight nations share interests in fishing, energy, and navigation. Aggressive plans regarding Greenland are denied by Moscow, prioritizing dialogue over confrontation.
