Russia has warned it may take military measures if Greenland is militarized, amid growing European troop deployments to the Arctic island. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow would respond to any military capabilities aimed at Russia. The warning comes after U.S. President Donald Trump previously pushed to annex Greenland.
Several European countries recently sent small contingents of troops to Greenland following Trump’s statements, although he later backed off after reaching a “framework” agreement with NATO chief Mark Rutte. Lavrov emphasized that Russia would act if Western forces threaten its security.
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Greenland, home to roughly 57,000 people, has been an autonomous Danish territory for decades. The island has maintained that its sovereignty and territorial integrity are non-negotiable in discussions with Washington. Lavrov criticized Denmark, claiming Greenlanders are treated as “second-class citizens.”
Trump had argued that if the United States did not take control of Greenland, Russia or China might, sparking tensions over Arctic influence. Moscow stressed that the U.S., Denmark, and Greenland should resolve the matter among themselves.
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Observers note that Greenland’s strategic location in the Arctic makes any foreign military presence highly sensitive, potentially escalating tensions between Russia, NATO allies, and the United States. The situation highlights ongoing geopolitical rivalry in the Arctic region.