Russian President Vladimir Putin commented on Donald Trump's statement regarding the annexation of Greenland by the United States.
“At first glance, this may surprise someone. It would be a big mistake to regard this as some extravagant statement from the new American administration. In fact, such a plan in the US emerged in the 1860s. The American administration back then considered the possibility of annexing Greenland and Iceland. However, this idea did not gain support in Congress,” says Putin.
According to the Russian president, the US plans regarding Greenland are serious and they will begin to promote their military strategic interests in the Arctic as well.
Putin emphasizes that international cooperation in the Arctic is “not experiencing its best times.” However, according to him, Russia is in favor of equal partnership in the region.
“We are ready to cooperate not only with Arctic states but also with all countries that are willing to take responsibility for the stable future of the planet and can make long-term and balanced decisions,” says Putin.
Donald Trump has been talking about Greenland's annexation to the US since his first presidential term. He claims that “establishing control over Greenland is essential for US national security.” Trump has also not ruled out the possibility of using economic or military force to acquire the island. Against the backdrop of these statements, Denmark has increased its defense spending for Greenland.
