Russian President Vladimir Putin is not laughing off President Donald Trump’s Greenland ambitions despite critics dismissing the idea.
Putin said he was taking Trump’s ambitions to annex the arctic territory of Denmark “seriously” at the International Arctic Forum in Murmansk Thursday while also raising concerns about NATO’s increased involvement in the north.
The remarks come in the wake of Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance’s visit to the island Friday intended to improve relations between the two nations.
“In short, the United States has serious plans regarding Greenland,” Putin said. “These plans have long historical roots, as I have just mentioned, and it is obvious that the United States will continue to consistently advance its geo-strategic, military-political and economic interests in the Arctic.”
Putin also added that Russia would increase its presence in the Arctic, saying the number of soldiers in the region would “grow” in response to countries such as Finland and Sweden deploying troops in the region.
Critics of Trump have pushed back on his ambitions, With Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries calling it an “obsession” and Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer calling the idea “strange” and “random.”
Moreover, The Trump administration’s genuine interest in Greenland has reportedly alarmed Denmark’s leaders and other European officials.
Most recently on Tuesday, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said the Vances’ visit to the island was “unacceptable pressure,” according to Reuters.
Trump mainly cites national security reasons for taking over Greenland, saying on Truth Social in December that control of the island was an “absolute necessity.” America currently operates Pittufik U.S. Space Base on the island, which includes a radar station which is part of the U.S.’ early warning system for ballistic missiles, according to the Department of Defense.
Greenland Prime Minister Mute B. Egede said the Vances’ visit was “highly aggressive,” in an interview with Greenlandic media Mar. 23. Egede has previously expressed a desire to see Greenland independent from Denmark, while not coming under the rule of the U.S.
The Russian Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.
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