In this image provided by the Russian state agency Sputnik, President Vladimir Putin of Russia participates in a video-conference ceremony to inaugurate the Project 885M Yasen-M nuclear-powered submarine Perm, in Murmansk, a port city within the Arctic Circle, on March 27, 2025.
Sergei Karpukhin | Afp | Getty Images
President Vladimir Putin of Russia cautioned against underestimating U.S. President Donald Trump’s pursuit of control over Greenland, indicating that the endeavor aligns with the United States’ longstanding interest in the mineral-rich territory.
During a significant address in Murmansk, the largest city situated above the Arctic Circle, Putin remarked on Thursday that Trump’s expressed intention to annex Greenland “is a matter for two specific nations and does not pertain to us.”
“It would be a grave error to dismiss it as nonsensical chatter from the new U.S. administration. Nothing of the kind,” stated Putin.
He noted that the U.S. has had ambitions regarding Greenland “since as far back as the 1860s” and highlighted that America had proposed purchasing Greenland from Denmark post-World War II.
“Essentially, the United States has concrete plans concerning Greenland. These plans have deep historical roots, as I have just pointed out, and it is evident that the U.S. will persistently promote its geo-strategic, military-political, and economic interests in the Arctic,” Putin elaborated.
His remarks, which did not criticize Trump’s goals, come as U.S. Vice President JD Vance is set to lead a prominent U.S. delegation to Greenland on Friday.
Vance announced in a video shared on the social media platform X earlier this week that he would be traveling with his wife, Usha Vance, to “assess the security situation” in Greenland.
Trump has consistently voiced his ambition to assert control over the autonomous Danish territory, labeling the acquisition as an “absolute necessity” for national security reasons.
Both the governments of Greenland and Denmark have firmly opposed Trump’s plans, with Mute Egede, the outgoing prime minister of Greenland, stating earlier this month: “Stop treating us with disrespect. Enough is enough.”
Concerns Regarding NATO
While emphasizing that tensions involving Greenland and the U.S. do not link back to Russia, Putin expressed worries over the increasing tendency of NATO countries to view the Far North as a launching pad for potential conflicts and their military exercises in these conditions.
He referenced Finland and Sweden, which joined the NATO alliance in 2023 and 2024, respectively, mentioning that Russia had faced no issues with them until recently, but their membership is now creating complications.
“Why? It is impossible to comprehend. But nevertheless, we will adapt to current realities and respond accordingly,” Putin declared, noting that Russia was observing developments in the Arctic, formulating a response strategy, enhancing its combat readiness, and modernizing military infrastructure.
“We will not accept any violations of our nation’s sovereignty and will resolutely protect our national interests,” he affirmed.
Finland and Sweden had historically maintained a stance of neutrality and military nonalignment but altered their positions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Finland shares a land boundary with Russia while Sweden has a maritime border with the nation.
