Greenland: Vladimir Putin believes that Donald Trump's plans for the island are "serious"
Vladimir Putin on Thursday expressed his concern about Donald Trump's plans for Greenland. He considers the American president "serious" and says he fears a militarization of the Arctic. The warning comes as U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance visits the island on Friday.
Published: 28/03/2025 -
By: FRANCE 24
A "Northern Sea Route" in the Arctic
"We will increase the capacity and turnover of our Nordic ports at a faster pace. We will do this on the basis of modern environmental solutions, including automated and unmanned cargo handling technologies," Putin said.
To be readNaaja Nathanielsen says Greenland "is not a commodity to be owned or controlled"
He also said he was open to Russia's collaboration with "friendly countries" in the Arctic, and with Western countries "if they show interest".
Russia hopes to develop the Northern Sea Route in the Arctic, a trade route made possible by melting ice and which could eventually compete with the Suez Canal by taking advantage of the impact of climate change.
With AFP
Vladimir Putin on Thursday expressed his concern about Donald Trump's plans for Greenland. He considers the American president "serious" and says he fears a militarization of the Arctic. The warning comes as U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance visits the island on Friday.
Published: 28/03/2025 -
By: FRANCE 24
Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks with the governor of the Murmansk region, Andrey Chibis, on the sidelines of the International Arctic Forum in Murmansk, Russia, Thursday, March 27, 2025. © Gavriil Grigorov, AP
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday (March 27th) that his US counterpart Donald Trump's plans to take control of Greenland were "serious", saying he was worried that the Arctic could turn into a "springboard for possible conflicts". A statement that coincides with the trip of US Vice President J.D. Vance to the island on Friday.
"These are serious projects on the part of the United States regarding Greenland, projects that have ancient historical roots," Vladimir Putin said at a conference in Murmansk devoted to the Arctic.
While Vladimir Putin assured that the issue of Greenland, an autonomous territory belonging to Denmark, does not concern Russia, he said he was "concerned by the fact that NATO countries are increasingly considering the Far North as a springboard for possible conflicts".
During this conference, Vladimir Putin announced multiple measures aimed at developing the economic development of the Russian Far North, a strategically important region for Moscow, which has already modernised several military bases there in recent years that have been abandoned since Soviet times.
In particular, he ordered the renovation of the region's cities, to ensure that the transport capacity of the large city of Murmansk is tripled and that other Arctic ports are developed. He also called for better rail links between Siberia, the Urals and the Far North and for the development of raw material extraction and shipbuilding.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday (March 27th) that his US counterpart Donald Trump's plans to take control of Greenland were "serious", saying he was worried that the Arctic could turn into a "springboard for possible conflicts". A statement that coincides with the trip of US Vice President J.D. Vance to the island on Friday.
"These are serious projects on the part of the United States regarding Greenland, projects that have ancient historical roots," Vladimir Putin said at a conference in Murmansk devoted to the Arctic.
While Vladimir Putin assured that the issue of Greenland, an autonomous territory belonging to Denmark, does not concern Russia, he said he was "concerned by the fact that NATO countries are increasingly considering the Far North as a springboard for possible conflicts".
During this conference, Vladimir Putin announced multiple measures aimed at developing the economic development of the Russian Far North, a strategically important region for Moscow, which has already modernised several military bases there in recent years that have been abandoned since Soviet times.
In particular, he ordered the renovation of the region's cities, to ensure that the transport capacity of the large city of Murmansk is tripled and that other Arctic ports are developed. He also called for better rail links between Siberia, the Urals and the Far North and for the development of raw material extraction and shipbuilding.
A "Northern Sea Route" in the Arctic
"We will increase the capacity and turnover of our Nordic ports at a faster pace. We will do this on the basis of modern environmental solutions, including automated and unmanned cargo handling technologies," Putin said.
To be readNaaja Nathanielsen says Greenland "is not a commodity to be owned or controlled"
He also said he was open to Russia's collaboration with "friendly countries" in the Arctic, and with Western countries "if they show interest".
Russia hopes to develop the Northern Sea Route in the Arctic, a trade route made possible by melting ice and which could eventually compete with the Suez Canal by taking advantage of the impact of climate change.
With AFP
Naaja Nathanielsen says Greenland "is not a commodity to be owned or controlled"
As Donald Trump increases his pressure on the autonomous Danish territory, and shortly before his Vice President J.D. Vance's visit to a US military base on Friday, Naaja Nathanielsen, Greenland's Minister of Economy and Mineral Resources, explains to France 24 the position of the island's government in the face of the United States' wishes.
Published : 27/03/2025 -
FRANCE24
By: Hamza HABHOUB
As Donald Trump increases his pressure on the autonomous Danish territory, and shortly before his Vice President J.D. Vance's visit to a US military base on Friday, Naaja Nathanielsen, Greenland's Minister of Economy and Mineral Resources, explains to France 24 the position of the island's government in the face of the United States' wishes.
Published : 27/03/2025 -
FRANCE24
By: Hamza HABHOUB
Greenland's Minister of Mineral Affairs and Resources, Naaja Nathanielsen, speaks during an interview with AFP in her office in Nuuk, Greenland, on March 6, 2025 (illustration). © Odd Andersen / AFP
On Wednesday 26 March, Donald Trump increased his pressure on Greenland by saying that the United States should take control of the Danish island for "international security" reasons.
"I don't like to put it like that, but we're going to have to" take possession of the immense Arctic territory, Donald Trump said, two days before Vice President J.D. Vance's visit to Greenland. "We need Greenland for international security. We need it. We need it," he added.
"It's an island that we need from a defensive and even offensive point of view," the US president continued.
J.D. Vance is due to visit the US military base in Pituffik on Friday, which is responsible for a surveillance mission in the northern hemisphere. He is going there "to be informed of issues related to Arctic security" and to meet with the troops, his office said on Tuesday.
This base "is used for missile departure detection, missile defense and space surveillance missions," the U.S. vice president said.
In an exclusive interview, Naaja Nathanielsen, Greenland's Minister of Economy and Mineral Resources, recalls the categorical refusal of the island's transitional government regarding Trump's offer. The minister says that the visit of American officials to Greenland is "hostile behavior".
See also"We need Greenland," Trump says ahead of J.D. Vance visit
Since his election, US President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire for the United States to take control of Greenland. What is your position on this issue?
I take offense at the rhetoric chosen. Greenland has always viewed the United States as an allied partner. Nevertheless, due to a series of events regarding irrational trade wars, aggressive rhetoric about Greenland and Canada, as well as the attitude toward Gaza and Ukraine, an unstable Western alliance has emerged. It is currently changing the world as we knew it. I think we are all in the Western alliance, trying to understand where our powerful ally is going. But let me clarify: Greenland is not a commodity to be owned or controlled, and we are not for sale. We expect our government, our borders, our country, and our culture to be respected by the United States.
See also Hervé Kempf: "The United States is not the only one to covet Greenland's rare earths"
How do you intend to respond to Trump's intentions regarding Greenland?
This is a question for the new government (Editor's note: Greenland is waiting for a government after the parliamentary elections on 11 March which saw the victory of the centre-right). Currently, negotiations are taking place and I am waiting for their result. So far, the five party leaders are standing together in the face of American ambitions.
Accompanied by her husband, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, Usha Vance, will visit Greenland this week alongside Mike Waltz, Trump's national security adviser. How do you see this visit, which many believe has political implications?
I see it as an assault. I can't believe that the US National Security Adviser and the Secretary of the US Department of Energy [Chris Wright] would take the time, despite their busy schedules, to attend a cultural event in Greenland [Editor's note: in a video posted on Instagram on Sunday, Usha Vance claimed to have "read everything, with [her] children, about the sleigh race", which has since been cancelled in the face of an outcry] while negotiations on the new administration are underway.
See also Greenland, the great covetousness? Let's talk about it with M. Blugeon-Mered, D. Simmonneau and J. André
Could we see a rapprochement with the European Union?
As for the possibility of submitting an application for membership of the European Union, this is not currently on the agenda, and I am not aware of it at the moment. However, we already have an excellent relationship with the European Union, and this has not changed in recent months.
How do you judge the idea of Greenland independence today, in light of Trump's statements and the concerns they have raised?
We have been working for decades for independence. This is nothing new. Independence is much more than a date, and we are taking the necessary time. It is premature to discuss a date. We are still part of the Kingdom of Denmark and will continue to work to develop our right to self-determination with the Danish government, as we have done for several years. This is not a sprint, but a marathon.
See also Under pressure from pro-independence nationalists, Greenland in search of a coalition
With AFP
On Wednesday 26 March, Donald Trump increased his pressure on Greenland by saying that the United States should take control of the Danish island for "international security" reasons.
"I don't like to put it like that, but we're going to have to" take possession of the immense Arctic territory, Donald Trump said, two days before Vice President J.D. Vance's visit to Greenland. "We need Greenland for international security. We need it. We need it," he added.
"It's an island that we need from a defensive and even offensive point of view," the US president continued.
J.D. Vance is due to visit the US military base in Pituffik on Friday, which is responsible for a surveillance mission in the northern hemisphere. He is going there "to be informed of issues related to Arctic security" and to meet with the troops, his office said on Tuesday.
This base "is used for missile departure detection, missile defense and space surveillance missions," the U.S. vice president said.
In an exclusive interview, Naaja Nathanielsen, Greenland's Minister of Economy and Mineral Resources, recalls the categorical refusal of the island's transitional government regarding Trump's offer. The minister says that the visit of American officials to Greenland is "hostile behavior".
See also"We need Greenland," Trump says ahead of J.D. Vance visit
Since his election, US President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire for the United States to take control of Greenland. What is your position on this issue?
I take offense at the rhetoric chosen. Greenland has always viewed the United States as an allied partner. Nevertheless, due to a series of events regarding irrational trade wars, aggressive rhetoric about Greenland and Canada, as well as the attitude toward Gaza and Ukraine, an unstable Western alliance has emerged. It is currently changing the world as we knew it. I think we are all in the Western alliance, trying to understand where our powerful ally is going. But let me clarify: Greenland is not a commodity to be owned or controlled, and we are not for sale. We expect our government, our borders, our country, and our culture to be respected by the United States.
See also Hervé Kempf: "The United States is not the only one to covet Greenland's rare earths"
How do you intend to respond to Trump's intentions regarding Greenland?
This is a question for the new government (Editor's note: Greenland is waiting for a government after the parliamentary elections on 11 March which saw the victory of the centre-right). Currently, negotiations are taking place and I am waiting for their result. So far, the five party leaders are standing together in the face of American ambitions.
Accompanied by her husband, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, Usha Vance, will visit Greenland this week alongside Mike Waltz, Trump's national security adviser. How do you see this visit, which many believe has political implications?
I see it as an assault. I can't believe that the US National Security Adviser and the Secretary of the US Department of Energy [Chris Wright] would take the time, despite their busy schedules, to attend a cultural event in Greenland [Editor's note: in a video posted on Instagram on Sunday, Usha Vance claimed to have "read everything, with [her] children, about the sleigh race", which has since been cancelled in the face of an outcry] while negotiations on the new administration are underway.
See also Greenland, the great covetousness? Let's talk about it with M. Blugeon-Mered, D. Simmonneau and J. André
Could we see a rapprochement with the European Union?
As for the possibility of submitting an application for membership of the European Union, this is not currently on the agenda, and I am not aware of it at the moment. However, we already have an excellent relationship with the European Union, and this has not changed in recent months.
How do you judge the idea of Greenland independence today, in light of Trump's statements and the concerns they have raised?
We have been working for decades for independence. This is nothing new. Independence is much more than a date, and we are taking the necessary time. It is premature to discuss a date. We are still part of the Kingdom of Denmark and will continue to work to develop our right to self-determination with the Danish government, as we have done for several years. This is not a sprint, but a marathon.
See also Under pressure from pro-independence nationalists, Greenland in search of a coalition
With AFP
Denmark welcomes US limiting Greenland visit to military base
By AFP
Camille BAS-WOHLERT
Denmark welcomed on Wednesday Washington’s decision to limit a US delegation’s visit to Greenland to a US military base, after previous plans for the unexpected trip sparked criticism.
US Vice President JD Vance announced Tuesday that he would accompany his wife Usha on Friday to the Pituffik Space Base in Greenland, the Danish self-governing island coveted by President Donald Trump.
Since returning to power in January, Trump has insisted he wants to take over Greenland for national security purposes, refusing to rule out the use of force to do so.
Vance’s announcement came just hours after Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland’s outgoing Prime Minister Mute Egede harshly criticised plans by a US delegation to visit the Arctic island uninvited.
Egede had qualified the initial plans as “foreign interference”, noting that the outgoing government had not “sent out any invitations for visits, private or official”.
Following March 11 elections, Greenland has only a transitional government, with parties still in negotiations to form a new coalition government.
“We have asked all countries to respect this process,” Egede had said in a Facebook post.
Yet the White House announced Sunday that Usha Vance would travel to Greenland from Thursday to Saturday, while Egede had said US national security adviser Mike Waltz was also expected to take part.
US media had reported that Energy Secretary Chris Wright would be part of the visit as well.
Usha Vance had been scheduled to view “historical sites, learn about Greenlandic heritage and watch the Avannaata Qimussersu, Greenland’s national dogsled race,” in the southwestern town of Sisimiut, the White House had said.
Frederiksen denounced that visit as “unacceptable pressure” being put on Greenland and Denmark, and vowed “to resist”.
– ‘Very positive’ –
JD Vance said in a video statement that he and Usha would travel only to the Pituffik base to visit US Space Force members based there and “check out what’s going on with the security” of Greenland.
“I think it’s very positive that the Americans have cancelled their visit among Greenlandic society. They will only visit their own base, Pituffik, and we have nothing against that,” Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen told public broadcaster DR on Wednesday.
“The cars (from the US advance security detail) that were delivered a few days ago are in the process of being sent back home, and the wife of the US vice president and the national security adviser will not visit Greenlandic society,” Lokke Rasmussen said.
“The matter is being wound up and that’s positive,” he added.
A US Hercules plane later took off from Nuuk airport, according to flight tracking website FlightRadar24.com.
Marc Jacobsen, an associate professor at the Royal Danish Defence College, said the US change of plan was a “de-escalation” aimed at saving face after Danish and Greenlandic leaders made it clear the US officials were not welcome.
Locals in Sisimiut, Greenland’s second-biggest town of 5,500 people, had announced a protest during Usha Vance’s visit, following another anti-US protest outside the US consulate in Nuuk on March 15.
“They didn’t want to risk… photos being shown to US voters on social media,” Jacobsen told AFP.
Jacobsen also dismissed Vance’s claims in his video announcement that other countries were trying to use the territory to “threaten the United States, to threaten Canada, and, of course, to threaten the people of Greenland”.
“The only country threatening Greenland, that’s actually the US,” Jacobsen said. “If he meant China or Russia, they’re not threatening Greenland. They have no interest in attacking Greenland.”
A self-governing territory that is seeking to emancipate itself from Copenhagen, Greenland holds massive untapped mineral and oil reserves, though oil and uranium exploration are banned.
It is also strategically located between North America and Europe at a time of rising US, Chinese and Russian interest in the Arctic, where sea lanes have opened up because of climate change.
Greenland’s location also puts it on the shortest route for missiles between Russia and the United States.
Greenlandic officials have repeatedly said the territory does not want to be either Danish or American, but is “open for business” with everyone.
According to opinion polls, most Greenlanders support independence from Denmark but not annexation by Washington.
By AFP
March 26, 2025
Tracking stations at the US Pituffik space base in Greenland, the only place where JD Vance and his wife will now visit - Copyright AFP/File SAUL LOEB
Tracking stations at the US Pituffik space base in Greenland, the only place where JD Vance and his wife will now visit - Copyright AFP/File SAUL LOEB
Camille BAS-WOHLERT
Denmark welcomed on Wednesday Washington’s decision to limit a US delegation’s visit to Greenland to a US military base, after previous plans for the unexpected trip sparked criticism.
US Vice President JD Vance announced Tuesday that he would accompany his wife Usha on Friday to the Pituffik Space Base in Greenland, the Danish self-governing island coveted by President Donald Trump.
Since returning to power in January, Trump has insisted he wants to take over Greenland for national security purposes, refusing to rule out the use of force to do so.
Vance’s announcement came just hours after Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland’s outgoing Prime Minister Mute Egede harshly criticised plans by a US delegation to visit the Arctic island uninvited.
Egede had qualified the initial plans as “foreign interference”, noting that the outgoing government had not “sent out any invitations for visits, private or official”.
Following March 11 elections, Greenland has only a transitional government, with parties still in negotiations to form a new coalition government.
“We have asked all countries to respect this process,” Egede had said in a Facebook post.
Yet the White House announced Sunday that Usha Vance would travel to Greenland from Thursday to Saturday, while Egede had said US national security adviser Mike Waltz was also expected to take part.
US media had reported that Energy Secretary Chris Wright would be part of the visit as well.
Usha Vance had been scheduled to view “historical sites, learn about Greenlandic heritage and watch the Avannaata Qimussersu, Greenland’s national dogsled race,” in the southwestern town of Sisimiut, the White House had said.
Frederiksen denounced that visit as “unacceptable pressure” being put on Greenland and Denmark, and vowed “to resist”.
– ‘Very positive’ –
JD Vance said in a video statement that he and Usha would travel only to the Pituffik base to visit US Space Force members based there and “check out what’s going on with the security” of Greenland.
“I think it’s very positive that the Americans have cancelled their visit among Greenlandic society. They will only visit their own base, Pituffik, and we have nothing against that,” Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen told public broadcaster DR on Wednesday.
“The cars (from the US advance security detail) that were delivered a few days ago are in the process of being sent back home, and the wife of the US vice president and the national security adviser will not visit Greenlandic society,” Lokke Rasmussen said.
“The matter is being wound up and that’s positive,” he added.
A US Hercules plane later took off from Nuuk airport, according to flight tracking website FlightRadar24.com.
Marc Jacobsen, an associate professor at the Royal Danish Defence College, said the US change of plan was a “de-escalation” aimed at saving face after Danish and Greenlandic leaders made it clear the US officials were not welcome.
Locals in Sisimiut, Greenland’s second-biggest town of 5,500 people, had announced a protest during Usha Vance’s visit, following another anti-US protest outside the US consulate in Nuuk on March 15.
“They didn’t want to risk… photos being shown to US voters on social media,” Jacobsen told AFP.
Jacobsen also dismissed Vance’s claims in his video announcement that other countries were trying to use the territory to “threaten the United States, to threaten Canada, and, of course, to threaten the people of Greenland”.
“The only country threatening Greenland, that’s actually the US,” Jacobsen said. “If he meant China or Russia, they’re not threatening Greenland. They have no interest in attacking Greenland.”
A self-governing territory that is seeking to emancipate itself from Copenhagen, Greenland holds massive untapped mineral and oil reserves, though oil and uranium exploration are banned.
It is also strategically located between North America and Europe at a time of rising US, Chinese and Russian interest in the Arctic, where sea lanes have opened up because of climate change.
Greenland’s location also puts it on the shortest route for missiles between Russia and the United States.
Greenlandic officials have repeatedly said the territory does not want to be either Danish or American, but is “open for business” with everyone.
According to opinion polls, most Greenlanders support independence from Denmark but not annexation by Washington.
Trump says ‘we have to have’ Greenland, ahead of Vance trip
By AFP
March 26, 2025
Nuuk, the capital of Greenland -- which Donald Trump wants to be part of the United States - Copyright AFP Juliette PAVY
Asad Hashim, with Camille Bas-Wohlert in Copenhagen
US President Donald Trump ramped up his claims to Greenland on Wednesday, saying ahead of a visit by Vice President JD Vance that the United States needed to take control of the Danish island for “international security.”
Since coming to power in January, Trump has repeatedly insisted that he wants the self-governed territory to be a US possession, refusing to rule out the use of force to achieve his goal.
“We need Greenland for international safety and security. We need it. We have to have it,” Trump told podcaster Vince Coglianese. “I hate to put it that way, but we’re going to have to have it.”
Greenland, which is seeking independence from Denmark, holds massive untapped mineral and oil reserves, though oil and uranium exploration are banned.
It is also strategically located between North America and Europe at a time of rising US, Chinese and Russian interest in the Arctic, where sea lanes have opened up because of climate change.
The US president’s latest strident comments come as Vice President Vance is due to accompany his wife Usha on a visit to the US-run Pituffik Space Base in Greenland on Friday.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland’s outgoing Prime Minister Mute Egede had earlier harshly criticized plans by a US delegation to visit the Arctic island uninvited for what was initially a much broader visit.
Egede had qualified the initial plans as “foreign interference,” noting that the outgoing government had not “sent out any invitations for visits, private or official.”
On Wednesday, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen welcomed the decision to limit the visit to the US space base.
“I think it’s very positive that the Americans have canceled their visit among Greenlandic society. They will only visit their own base, Pituffik, and we have nothing against that,” he told public broadcaster DR.
– ‘Respect this process’ –
Greenlandic officials have repeatedly said the territory does not want to be either Danish or American, but is “open for business” with everyone.
According to opinion polls, most Greenlanders support independence from Denmark but not annexation by Washington.
Following March 11 elections, Greenland has only a transitional government, with parties still in negotiations to form a new coalition government.
Egede has called for “all countries to respect this process.”
Marc Jacobsen, a senior lecturer at the Royal Danish Defense College, called the decision to limit the US visit “a de-escalation,” a term also used by Foreign Minister Lokke.
“The fact that the Greenlandic and Danish authorities are telling you that you’re not welcome is significant,” he told AFP.
“The risk of negative coverage in the media and social networks may have weighed even more,” he added, noting that a demonstration was announced in Sisimiut, following an initial anti-US demonstration in the capital Nuuk on March 15.
US President Donald Trump ramped up his claims to Greenland on Wednesday, saying ahead of a visit by Vice President JD Vance that the United States needed to take control of the Danish island for “international security.”
Since coming to power in January, Trump has repeatedly insisted that he wants the self-governed territory to be a US possession, refusing to rule out the use of force to achieve his goal.
“We need Greenland for international safety and security. We need it. We have to have it,” Trump told podcaster Vince Coglianese. “I hate to put it that way, but we’re going to have to have it.”
Greenland, which is seeking independence from Denmark, holds massive untapped mineral and oil reserves, though oil and uranium exploration are banned.
It is also strategically located between North America and Europe at a time of rising US, Chinese and Russian interest in the Arctic, where sea lanes have opened up because of climate change.
The US president’s latest strident comments come as Vice President Vance is due to accompany his wife Usha on a visit to the US-run Pituffik Space Base in Greenland on Friday.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland’s outgoing Prime Minister Mute Egede had earlier harshly criticized plans by a US delegation to visit the Arctic island uninvited for what was initially a much broader visit.
Egede had qualified the initial plans as “foreign interference,” noting that the outgoing government had not “sent out any invitations for visits, private or official.”
On Wednesday, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen welcomed the decision to limit the visit to the US space base.
“I think it’s very positive that the Americans have canceled their visit among Greenlandic society. They will only visit their own base, Pituffik, and we have nothing against that,” he told public broadcaster DR.
– ‘Respect this process’ –
Greenlandic officials have repeatedly said the territory does not want to be either Danish or American, but is “open for business” with everyone.
According to opinion polls, most Greenlanders support independence from Denmark but not annexation by Washington.
Following March 11 elections, Greenland has only a transitional government, with parties still in negotiations to form a new coalition government.
Egede has called for “all countries to respect this process.”
Marc Jacobsen, a senior lecturer at the Royal Danish Defense College, called the decision to limit the US visit “a de-escalation,” a term also used by Foreign Minister Lokke.
“The fact that the Greenlandic and Danish authorities are telling you that you’re not welcome is significant,” he told AFP.
“The risk of negative coverage in the media and social networks may have weighed even more,” he added, noting that a demonstration was announced in Sisimiut, following an initial anti-US demonstration in the capital Nuuk on March 15.
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