Amidst Vice President JD Vance’s planned trip to assess U.S. security interests in the Arctic, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Washington’s interest in Greenland “has nothing to do” with Russia. Putin made the comments during an address to Russia’s Arctic Forum in Murmansk on Thursday.
“In short, America’s plans in relation to Greenland are serious,” Putin said, noting the plans have “deep roots.” He added, “And it’s clear that the US will continue to systematically pursue its geo-strategic, military-political and economic interests in the Arctic.”
Putin continued, “As for Greenland, this is a matter for two specific countries. It has nothing to do with us.”
Putin’s remarks came as President Trump reaffirmed his ambitions for Greenland, despite previous international criticism. “We need Greenland for international safety and security. We need it. We have to have it,” Trump told radio host Vince Coglianese on Thursday.
Trump described Greenland as an island needed for both “defensive posture and even offensive posture.” He added, “When you look at the ships going up their shore by the hundreds, it’s a busy place.”
Trump acknowledged uncertainty about the willingness of Greenland’s population to become U.S. citizens but stressed the importance of persuading them.
Greenland’s citizens and leaders have consistently rejected becoming part of the U.S. and are pursuing full independence from Denmark.
It’s uncertain if Vice President Vance will promote Trump’s message during his visit to the U.S.’ Pituffik Space Force base in northwest Greenland. Vance and his wife, Usha Vance, announced the trip earlier this week, which sparked a diplomatic controversy after Greenland’s leaders indicated they did not issue an invitation.
While Trump emphasizes Greenland’s importance for U.S. security, Russian officials are suggesting potential for increased economic cooperation between Washington and Moscow in the Arctic.
“We are open to considering different investment opportunities that we can do jointly with the U.S., in certain sectors approved by the Russian government,” said Kirill Dmitriev, Putin’s envoy for foreign investment and economic cooperation. He noted that he has already been in “direct talks” with the U.S., according to reports.
“We are open for investment cooperation in the Arctic. That could be in logistics, or other areas beneficial to Russia and to the U.S.,” Dmitriev added. “But before deals can be done, the war in Ukraine needs to end.”
Russia has hindered U.S. efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Ukraine by setting conditions, such as lifting sanctions and removing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy from office. Security experts have warned that these conditions reflect Putin’s primary goal of consolidating control over the former Soviet nation.
Putin reiterated this objective during his address from the Arctic, stating, “We could, of course, discuss with the United States, even with European countries, and of course with our partners and friends, under the auspices of the UN, the possibility of establishing a transitional administration in Ukraine.”
It is highly unlikely that Ukraine or its European allies, including France and the U.K., who are members of the UN Security Council, will accept Putin’s terms.
Anders Hagstrom contributed to this report.