Russia expresses concern over further militarization of Greenland

MOSCOW - Russia is concerned over the prospect of Greenland's further militarization and its potential threats to Russia's security, a senior Russian diplomat was quoted by RIA Novosti as saying on Thursday.

Artem Studennikov, director of the First European Department at the Russian Foreign Ministry, said that Russia is closely monitoring developments in Greenland and firmly opposes any efforts to introduce confrontation into the Arctic region.

"Russia does not accept the introduction of confrontational approaches to the Arctic and is interested in preserving it as a zone of stability and predictability," Studennikov said.

He added that Russia has consistently advocated the construction of a reliable international security mechanism in the region.

Studennikov emphasized that the future of Greenland should be determined by the Greenlandic people without any external interference.

US President Donald Trump President reiterated the US interest in Greenland before and after taking office for his second term.

In a response in December 2024, Greenland's Prime Minister Mute Egede said that the island is not for sale and never will be.

Greenland, the world's largest island with a population of around 60,000, was a Danish colony until 1953, when it became an integral part of Denmark, with Greenlanders given Danish citizenship. In 1979, Greenland achieved home rule, gaining greater self-governance while Denmark retained authority over its foreign and defense policy.