US President Donald Trump has reiterated his interest in taking control of Greenland, sparking concerns in Russia. During a recent speech in Murmansk, Russian President Vladimir Putin said he considered the US interest in Greenland serious and warned against underestimating Trump’s efforts.
Greenland is rich in rare minerals critical to global supply chains, including rare earths, graphite, titanium, tungsten, and uranium. The island’s strategic location between North America and Europe makes it a crucial trade route. Russia sees the Arctic as a vital region for its own national interests, citing the need for trade routes through the Arctic and its role as a hub of oil and natural gas production.
Putin referenced Russia’s concerns about Western encroachment in the Arctic, particularly following Finland and Sweden’s accession to NATO in 2023 and 2024. The Russian leader warned that the US plans to acquire Greenland have long historical roots and will continue to advance its geo-strategic interests in the region.
The US has been interested in acquiring Greenland since 1867, but Denmark has consistently rejected the idea. Trump recently stated, “We’ll go as far as we have to go,” emphasizing his administration’s commitment to taking control of the island. Putin warned that such a move could escalate tensions with Russia and accused NATO countries of using the Arctic as a “springboard for possible conflicts.”
Source: https://fortune.com/2025/03/28/putin-trump-russia-greenland-arctic-trade