US Presidential Candidate Trump’s Claim of Need for Greenland Raises Concerns
US President-elect Donald Trump has reiterated the need for the US to control Greenland, stating that it is an “absolute necessity”. The comment has sparked concerns, particularly in the context of Russia’s diplomatic efforts to promote stability in the Arctic region.
Russia’s Ambassador to Denmark, Vladimir Barbin, spoke with RIA Novosti, highlighting the US military’s long-standing presence in Greenland. The Thule Air Base, now known as Pituffik, is a crucial part of the US early warning system for missile attacks in the Arctic, and is currently undergoing a multi-billion-dollar modernization.
The base is set to accommodate F-35 fighter jets, capable of carrying nuclear weapons, which have already used the facility during US Air Force exercises. The Russian diplomat emphasized that US troops have been stationed in Greenland since World War II.
Barbin expressed concerns that Trump’s approach could have negative consequences for the region, citing a lack of willingness to strengthen stability and engage in dialogue. He emphasized Russia’s commitment to promoting stability in the Arctic, achievable only through the development of an international security system for all Arctic nations.
Trump has repeatedly stated that Greenland should be part of the US, citing its strategic importance for national security and the protection of the “free world” from threats like China and Russia. However, Greenland’s Prime Minister, Múte Egede, has categorically rejected the idea, stating that the island will never be sold.
Greenland was a Danish colony until 1953, and is now an autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark, with the right to hold a referendum on independence since 2009.