If President Donald Trump does not move quickly, Greenlanders could vote to join Russia.
That’s according to Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev, Reuters reported.
“Trump needs to hurry. According to unverified information, in a few days there could be a sudden referendum, at which the entire 55,000-strong Greenland could vote to join Russia,” Interfax quoted Medvedev, a former Russian president.
“And then that’s it. No new little stars on the (U.S.) flag,” he added.
Trump has been pushing for the U.S. to take control of Greenland. The Arctic island is a self-governing territory of Denmark.
Trump’s theory is that the U.S. needs too have Greenland to deter Russia.
Greenland’s location and resources, according to Trump, makes it desirable for the U.S. to control.
Both Greenland and Danish officials have declared it is not for sale.
Up to now, Russia has made no claim for Greenland, but does keep an eye on its role on security in the Arctic. This is especially true given its position on North Atlantic routes plus a U.S. military and space surveillance facility.
The Kremlin has not commented on Trump’s goal, it did state last year it was watching closely watching the “rather dramatic” debate around Greenland.
“As climate change opens new routes and resource prospects, the region has become more contested,” per Reuters.
