Russia Warns Of “Countermeasures” If West Expands Military Presence In Greenland

Russia Warns Of “Countermeasures” If West Expands Military Presence In Greenland

Moscow: Russia on Wednesday warned it would take military “countermeasures” if Western nations increase their military footprint in Greenland, with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov cautioning against the island’s militarisation.

Speaking before Russian lawmakers, Lavrov said Moscow would respond if new military capabilities in Greenland were directed against Russia.

“Of course, in the event of the militarisation of Greenland and the creation of military capabilities aimed at Russia, we will take adequate countermeasures, including military-technical ones,” he said.

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Rising Tensions Over Arctic Island

The remarks come amid reports that several European countries have recently deployed small contingents of troops to Greenland following repeated statements by US President Donald Trump expressing interest in annexing the Arctic territory.

Greenland, which has a population of about 57,000, has been a self-governing territory of Denmark for decades.

Last month, President Trump appeared to soften earlier threats to seize the island, stating that he had reached a “framework” understanding with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte aimed at expanding US influence in the region. Prior to that, he had argued that without US control, Greenland could fall under the sway of Russia or China.

Moscow’s Position

Lavrov said the issue should be resolved among the United States, Denmark and Greenland.

“The US, Denmark and Greenland must sort this out themselves,” he said.

He also accused Denmark of treating Greenlanders as “second-class citizens.”

Greenland’s government has repeatedly stated that its sovereignty and territorial integrity are “a red line” in any discussions with Washington.

The Arctic region has gained strategic significance in recent years due to its untapped natural resources and emerging shipping routes, raising geopolitical tensions among global powers.