Russian media has reacted enthusiastically to President Donald Trump’s expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, interpreting it as a significant weakening of NATO. During a broadcast of the Russian television program, *One’s Own Truth*, political analyst Sergey Stankevich characterized the situation as a “catastrophic blow” to the alliance, highlighting that one NATO member appears to be attempting to take territory from another NATO member, despite international law.
The Kremlin also indicated that if Trump were to successfully pursue Greenland, he would “certainly go down in history.” This reaction comes amidst rising tensions, as Trump has warned NATO that any arrangement that does not result in U.S. control over Greenland would be “unacceptable.”
In response to Trump’s statements, leaders from all 27 European Union nations convened for an emergency meeting to formulate potential responses to his threats. Trump has proposed a series of tariffs targeting Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland, starting with a 10% levy on February 1, escalating to 25% on June 1. These tariffs would remain in place until a deal concerning Greenland is finalized.
Host Roman Babayan of *One’s Own Truth* described Trump’s ambitions as “wonderful” for Russia, asserting that they would benefit the nation. American journalist Michael Bohm, residing in Moscow, remarked that Trump’s approach differs significantly from previous attempts, suggesting that if Denmark resists, the U.S. could resort to coercive measures, which he views as a serious escalation.
Russian media outlets have been vocal about the unfolding situation. The newspaper *Moskovsky Komsomolets* published an article stating that “Europe is at a total loss,” describing the unfolding drama as somewhat amusing. Another publication, *Rossiyskaya Gazeta*, suggested that the European powers are eager to retain Greenland, even at the risk of NATO’s fracture. The article almost borders on praising Trump, arguing that the main obstacles to his ambitions are the stubbornness of Copenhagen and the perceived solidarity from several European capitals, including traditional allies such as Britain and France.
Figures associated with Russian President Vladimir Putin have also welcomed Trump’s tariff threats. Kirill Dmitriev, a prominent figure in negotiations with the U.S. over the conflict in Ukraine, expressed on social media that “the transatlantic alliance is over.”
In a concerted response, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement reaffirming their solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland. They emphasized their commitment to principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity while condemning Trump’s tariff threats as detrimental to transatlantic relations, warning that such actions could lead to a dangerous downward spiral.
This unfolding situation reflects a complex interplay of geopolitical ambitions and the dynamics within NATO, raising significant questions about the future of the alliance and the global balance of power.
