Russia declares Greenland Danish amid US acquisition push

The Kremlin has formally acknowledged Greenland's legal status as part of the Kingdom of Denmark, while simultaneously describing the geopolitical standoff over the island as "very controversial." This statement marks Moscow's official position amid escalating tensions fueled by repeated U.S. expressions of interest in acquiring the vast Arctic territory.

A Formal Recognition Amid "Extraordinary" Circumstances

During a press briefing in Moscow on Friday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov clarified Russia's stance. "We proceed from the understanding that Greenland is a territory of the Kingdom of Denmark," Peskov stated. He noted that Moscow is closely monitoring developments, which he characterized as "unusual" and even "extraordinary from the perspective of international law." This comment directly references the unprecedented public discussion of a major territorial purchase between two NATO allies.

Context of US Ambitions and Arctic Militarization

The Russian statement comes in direct response to persistent and public ambitions from Washington. U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly vowed to acquire Greenland, citing its strategic location in the Arctic, vast mineral resources, and concerns about Russian and Chinese activity. He has refused to rule out a military option. These declarations have been firmly rejected by both the government of Denmark and Greenland's own autonomous authorities, who have reaffirmed Danish sovereignty. In reaction to the heightened tensions, Russia's Foreign Ministry announced just a day prior that it would continue strengthening its defense capabilities in the Arctic region.

A Broader Geopolitical Signal

By formally siding with Denmark's sovereignty, Russia positions itself as a defender of established international law against what it frames as disruptive unilateral actions. Peskov also criticized using references to "Russian and Chinese activity" as a pretext for escalation, calling it "unacceptable." The situation highlights how great power competition is intensifying in the rapidly changing Arctic. For nations like Türkiye, which prioritize regional stability and the sanctity of sovereign borders, the episode underscores the dangers of reviving colonial-era territorial transactions and the importance of diplomacy grounded in mutual respect and existing treaties.