Russia Mocks West Over Trump Greenland Push

Russian government newspapers are full of praise for U.S. President Donald Trump's push to take control of Greenland from Denmark. State media portrays Europe as weak and confused, with headlines claiming the continent is at a total loss. This comes as Trump repeats threats to buy or seize the Arctic island, sparking alarm in NATO capitals and drawing sharp words from Moscow.

Background

Greenland has been part of Denmark for centuries, but its strategic spot in the Arctic makes it vital for military and resource interests. The island sits between North America and Europe, with vast mineral deposits and melting ice that opens new shipping routes. Trump first floated the idea of buying Greenland during his first term in 2019, calling it essential for U.S. security. Denmark rejected the offer outright, and the matter faded until Trump's return to office in 2025.

Since then, Trump has ramped up pressure. He has said the U.S. needs full ownership, not just bases or leases, to block Russia and China from gaining ground. In early January 2026, Trump declared he does not need international law and might take Greenland by force if Denmark refuses. He dismissed Denmark's historical claim, saying a boat landing 500 years ago does not count as ownership. These statements have led to protests in Greenland and Denmark, with crowds chanting 'Hands off Greenland' against U.S. moves.

Denmark and Greenland's leaders have pushed back hard. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen of Denmark repeated that Greenland is not for sale. Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said his people want no part of the U.S. and stand with Denmark under the kingdom's protection. Danish officials have warned of invoking NATO's Article 5 mutual defense clause if the U.S. attacks, a step that would pit allies against each other.

Russia has stayed on the sidelines but watches every move. Moscow calls Greenland Danish territory and points fingers at the West for stirring trouble in the Arctic. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the situation as extraordinary and unusual. Former President Dmitry Medvedev took a jab, suggesting Trump should hurry before Greenland looks to Russia instead.

Key Details

Trump's rhetoric has grown bolder over the past weeks. On January 9, 2026, he said the U.S. would do something on Greenland whether others like it or not. Three days later, he insisted one way or another, America will have the island. A Republican congressman, Randy Fine, introduced a bill to annex Greenland and make it a U.S. state. Trump has threatened Nielsen directly and denied knowing him after the Greenland leader spoke out.

European Response

European nations feel caught in the middle. France's President Emmanuel Macron warned Trump about crossing a NATO ally's borders. Germany and others have sent troops for sudden military drills in Greenland to show they can defend it without U.S. help. EU defense officials say a U.S. grab would end NATO as we know it. Protests erupted in 2025 and continue into 2026, with Danish intelligence tracking U.S. figures linked to Trump for possible meddling in Greenland society.

Russia's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova accused NATO, the U.S., and Europe of militarizing the Arctic. She said claims of Russian or Chinese plots are made up and that Western moves risk a global flashpoint. State media runs stories gloating over Europe's disarray. One paper wrote that the West's scramble proves its weakness, with Trump handing Putin a win by dividing allies.

"Europe is at a total loss," a pro-government Russian outlet stated, highlighting NATO's panic over Trump's Greenland plan.

Danish forces stand ready to fight any invasion, and Greenland welcomes more NATO presence from countries like the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Poland, and Spain. Talks between Trump and Ukraine's Zelenskyy drag on, but Putin shows no rush to deal, focusing gains in the east while this Arctic drama unfolds.

What This Means

Trump's stance splits Western unity at a time when Russia presses advantages elsewhere. European officials say it plays into Putin's hands, letting him act freely in Ukraine and beyond. One diplomat noted Putin wants a weaker NATO, and these events deliver just that. Russia's praise in media suggests it sees opportunity to widen cracks.

For Denmark and Greenland, the pressure builds daily. Leaders face a choice between standing firm or bending to U.S. demands. NATO's role hangs in balance; an ally-on-ally clash would shatter trust built over decades. Arctic nations like Canada and Norway watch warily as routes and resources become prizes.

In Moscow, the tone stays calm but pointed. Officials monitor without direct steps, yet their words stoke the fire. Medvedev's sarcasm and Zakharova's warnings signal Russia relishes the chaos. Trump pushes ahead, tying Greenland to broader security needs against Russia and China, but his methods alarm partners.

The crisis shows no quick end. Denmark's defense committee chair, Rasmus Jarlov, said troops would shoot if needed. Greenland's government calls U.S. demands unacceptable. As exercises ramp up and threats fly, the High North edges toward confrontation. Russia's gloating shows a larger shift, where old alliances strain under new pressures.