Russia reacts to Trump-Europe split over Greenland as arctic stakes rise

The Trump Greenland dispute Russia is drawing close attention in Moscow, where officials and state-aligned commentators have openly welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump’s push to acquire Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory. The proposal has strained relations between Washington and European capitals, particularly Denmark, while exposing growing transatlantic tensions.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Trump would “go down in history” if he succeeded. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev mocked Europe’s economic vulnerability, while Kirill Dmitriev, President Vladimir Putin’s envoy, described the moment as a “collapse of the transatlantic union.”

Greenland dispute adds pressure on NATO

Russian media outlets portray the Greenland dispute as a serious test for NATO unity. Analysts argue that Trump’s tariff threats against Europe could weaken the alliance and complicate coordination on Ukraine.

An article in Rossiiskaya Gazeta questioned whether disagreements over Greenland could accelerate NATO’s decline. Former Kremlin adviser Sergei Markov argued that Moscow should quietly support Trump’s ambitions because they undermine shared adversaries in Europe.

Why Russia avoids direct criticism of Trump

Despite concerns, Moscow has avoided attacking Trump directly. Russia wants to keep Washington open to negotiations that could end the Ukraine war on terms favorable to the Kremlin.

This silence stands out, especially as Trump increases pressure on traditional Russian partners like Iran and Venezuela. For Moscow, Ukraine remains the priority, and any rift among Kyiv’s supporters works to Russia’s advantage.

Arctic ambitions create strategic anxiety

While Russia enjoys Europe’s discomfort, Trump’s Greenland plan raises alarms in Moscow. The Arctic holds vast natural resources and critical military routes, areas where Russia has invested heavily.

Russian officials rejected claims that Moscow threatens Greenland, calling Western accusations unacceptable. The Russian Foreign Ministry warned against portraying Russia and China as Arctic aggressors.

A new world order or a risky gamble?

Some Russian analysts believe Trump’s actions signal a world order driven by power rather than rules, a system that could benefit Moscow. Others warn that Trump’s unpredictability poses risks, especially since he has shown little tolerance for other nations’ spheres of influence.

“Russia can secure its interests only through strength,” said Sergei Markov, summarizing a growing sentiment within Moscow’s political elite.

Russia’s reaction to Trump’s Greenland plan reflects strategic opportunism. Moscow enjoys the strain on U.S.-Europe relations but remains cautious about Washington’s expanding Arctic ambitions. As global power balances shift, Greenland has become more than a territory it is a symbol of a changing world order.

ALSO READ: Putin Receives Invitation to Join Trump’s “Board of Peace”