Trump reasserts Greenland goal without military threat At the World Economic Forum in Davos, former President Donald Trump repeated his ambition to incorporate Greenland into the United States and explicitly ruled out the use of force [1][2]. He claimed a diplomatic “framework” had been discussed with NATO Secretary‑General Mark Rutte, positioning the bid as a negotiated settlement rather than a coercive move [1][2]. Trump also derided European allies, arguing that NATO should not block U.S. expansion [2]. The statements intensified scrutiny of U.S. Arctic policy while keeping the proposal officially non‑violent [1][2].

Putin states Greenland is not Russia’s concern President Vladimir Putin told a Security Council meeting that Greenland “doesn’t concern us at all” and that the issue would be resolved among the United States and Denmark [1][2]. He framed the matter as outside Moscow’s strategic priorities, signaling a desire to avoid direct confrontation [2]. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov echoed this stance, noting that experts view a potential U.S. takeover as a historic event but not a Russian interest [1]. The consistent messaging underscores Russia’s preference to stay peripheral while monitoring developments [1][2].

Russian officials mix enthusiasm with strategic caution State‑aligned media and pro‑Kremlin commentators expressed both “glee” and wariness, describing the bid as a possible turning point for Arctic power dynamics [2]. Analysts suggested the move could divert international attention from Russia’s war in Ukraine and bolster Moscow’s leverage in the region [2]. At the same time, officials warned that an aggressive U.S. push might weaken European Union cohesion and NATO unity, which Russia seeks to test [1][2]. This dual tone reflects Moscow’s attempt to capitalize on the dispute without committing to overt involvement [1][2].

Lavrov frames issue as colonial vestige threatening NATO cohesion Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov argued that Greenland is a colonial relic of Denmark and drew a parallel to Russia’s annexation of Crimea, implying security implications [2]. He warned that Trump’s pursuit could trigger a “deep crisis” for NATO, questioning the alliance’s ability to remain a single military‑political bloc [2]. Lavrov’s comments align with broader Kremlin messaging that the dispute serves as a lever to strain Western unity [1]. The emphasis on colonial history and alliance strain adds a rhetorical layer to Russia’s strategic narrative [2].

Kremlin seeks to exploit Greenland dispute to weaken Western unity Moscow portrayed the Greenland controversy as a tool to undermine cohesion among the United States, Europe, and NATO while pursuing its own objectives in Ukraine [1]. Putin criticized Denmark’s “colonial” stance and invoked the 1917 Virgin Islands sale to illustrate historical patterns of Western territorial reshuffling [1]. Analysts noted that Russia hopes the rift will distract the West and provide leverage in broader negotiations [1]. By staying publicly detached yet quietly influencing discourse, Russia aims to shape outcomes without direct escalation [1][2].