Putin Stays Silent On Trump’s Greenland Annexation Bid, Signaling Quiet Approval Amid Shifting Arctic Power Dynamics

With US President Donald Trump advocating for the annexation of Greenland and Canada, Russia is making its own strategic moves in the Arctic. 

President Vladimir Putin visited Murmansk, the largest city north of the Arctic Circle, where he reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to "strengthen Russia's global leadership in the Arctic", reported NDTV.

While President Putin did not announce any territorial ambitions or expansionist policies, his lack of objection to Trump’s Greenland annexation plan has drawn global attention.

"Geopolitical competition in the Arctic region is intensifying," he remarked, citing America’s interest in Greenland as a prime example.

Putin acknowledged that the US has deep historical and strategic interests in the Arctic, stating, "America's plans in relation to Greenland are serious. These plans have deep historical roots. And it is clear that the US will continue to systematically pursue its geo-strategic, military, political, and economic interests in the Arctic region."

Instead of criticising or condemning the US expansionist agenda, Putin distanced Russia from the matter, stating, "As for Greenland, this is a matter for two specific countries (US and Denmark). It has nothing to do with us." 

Putin’s measured response comes at a time when Moscow and Washington are seeking closer diplomatic ties, marking a shift from past hostilities. 

Meanwhile, Trump’s foreign policy pivot towards Russia has unsettled European allies, particularly Ukraine, which now finds itself increasingly isolated.

Moscow is also positioning itself as a cooperative partner in the Arctic, a region rich in mineral deposits, rare earth materials, and natural resources. 

Speaking on investment prospects, Kirill Dmitriev, Putin's special envoy for foreign investment and economic cooperation, stated, "We are open to considering different investment opportunities that we can do jointly with the US, in certain sectors approved by the Russian government."

Despite the Trump administration’s pressure, Greenland has firmly rejected any notion of a US buyout, reaffirming that it is "not for sale." Denmark, which holds sovereignty over Greenland, has also dismissed Washington’s proposal.

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