The battle for the Arctic is intensifying: why does Trump want Greenland, and does this pose a threat to NATO
13 January 12:51
US President Donald Trump has once again spoken out about his territorial claims on Greenland and his intentions to establish control over the island. According to him, if the United States does not take control of Greenland, Russia or China may do so. He stressed that he would not allow such a development.
Trump noted that he prefers the diplomatic route and reaching an agreement, but stressed that in any case, Greenland will become part of US interests. At the same time, he is referring specifically to the purchase of the island, not its lease or temporary possession.
He reiterated that without action from Washington, Moscow or Beijing would seize the initiative. Trump also expressed skepticism about Greenland’s defense capabilities, saying that its protection is limited to “two dog sleds.”
Commenting on the possible consequences of such a move for NATO, the US president acknowledged that it could affect the Alliance, but at the same time stressed that the allies are much more dependent on the US than vice versa. He added that although he has a positive attitude toward NATO, he doubts that the Alliance would support the United States in case of real need, given Washington’s significant financial costs for its maintenance.
Trump’s team to discuss Greenland with Denmark
In addition, talks between representatives of US President Donald Trump’s administration and Danish officials are scheduled for January 14. It is expected that during this meeting, the main focus will be on the future of Greenland, CBS News reports.
According to media reports, on Wednesday, January 14, the parties will hold talks without prior public announcement. According to available information, the central topic of discussion will be the future status of Greenland.
As the publication notes, the meeting will take place after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio informed Congress last week of President Trump’s interest in acquiring this territory, which is under Danish control.
Although Rubio tried to soften the rhetoric about the possible use of force, on Sunday Donald Trump again did not rule out such a scenario.
At the same time, Danish Ambassador to the US Jesper Møller Sørensen stressed the importance of an objective approach, noting that Greenland has been part of the Kingdom of Denmark for many centuries. He also emphasized that all five parliamentary parties in Greenland have recently stated that they have no intention of joining the United States.
Control over Greenland: a possible “soft scenario”
Managing partner of the National Anti-Crisis Group, political strategist and political expert Taras Zagorodniy said in a comment to "Komersant Ukrainian" that the situation around Greenland is fundamentally different from other geopolitical conflicts.
“With regard to Greenland, it’s a slightly different story. If the US decides that it is necessary for its security to take control of the island, it will do so,” the expert noted.
According to him, this is not a forceful scenario like in Cuba or Venezuela, but a more understandable and formalized model.
“It will definitely not be the Cuban or Venezuelan option. Most likely, it will be the declaration of Greenland’s independence, followed by the conclusion of a free association agreement, for example, with the United States,” Zagorodniy explained.
The political strategist has no doubt that such a move will cause discontent among European countries, but it is unlikely to affect Washington’s position.
“There will, of course, be comments from Europe. There will also be loud statements that this is not acceptable. But I don’t think that will stop the Americans,” he stressed.
The world needs a sheriff
Zagorodniy also shared his own vision of the role of the US in the world, supporting the idea of Washington’s tough global leadership.
“I am in favor of bringing back the sheriff to the world. The US sheriff, who has the exclusive right to use force. Without such a sheriff, authoritarian regimes — both Russia and China — will only raise their heads,” the expert said.
According to Zagorodniy, Donald Trump’s tough rhetoric is a signal not only to allies but also directly to Russia. The expert believes that such actions could change the Kremlin’s behavior, particularly in the context of the war against Ukraine.
“This is also a signal to the Russian elites: give up Putin, and you will not be punished for it. This message is quite clear,” Zagorodniy added.
Pressure on Russia will increase
According to the political strategist, US irritation with the Kremlin’s policies is only intensifying, which could lead to new forms of economic and political pressure.
“The Americans believe that they have already offered Putin very favorable agreements. But then there was support for Venezuela and the use of Cuba as a conditional ‘aircraft carrier’ against the US,” he explained.
According to the expert, special attention will be paid to the so-called shadow fleet and the Russian oil sector.
“Pressure on the Kremlin will increase, particularly on the shadow fleet. Russia is selling oil at a loss, driving down world prices. And it is important for the Americans that the price of oil falls in a controlled manner — so that their own producers do not go bankrupt,” Zagorodniy concluded.
How it all began
Earlier, the US president did not rule out the scenario of Greenland “returning” to US control, even if it leads to the collapse of NATO. In his opinion, the Alliance is ineffective without Washington’s key role.
Such statements provoked a harsh reaction in Denmark. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called on Donald Trump to stop pressuring Greenland and to respect the sovereignty of the kingdom. At the same time, in Greenland itself, all five parliamentary parties stated that the island’s inhabitants do not want to become US citizens.
Against the backdrop of these events, the UK began consultations with its European partners on the possible deployment of military forces in Greenland to strengthen security in the Arctic and alleviate the US president’s concerns.
In addition, there’s been talk that Germany might push for a joint NATO mission, officially to monitor and protect the Alliance’s interests in the Arctic, but really focused on Greenland’s security.
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