Putin backs U.S. Arctic ambitions, citing "historical roots"
Vladimir Putin commented on Donald Trump's plans regarding the annexation of Greenland, highlighting the "historical roots" of the United States in this region. According to observers, this might indicate that the Kremlin supports American ambitions in the Arctic.
What do you need to know?
- Vladimir Putin, during a forum in Murmansk, suggested that the United States has "serious plans" concerning Greenland.
- He highlighted that these plans have "historical roots."
- Donald Trump claimed that the people of Greenland themselves are asking the USA for protection, and his administration is ready to act.
- On Friday, the American delegation will visit the island.
Putin talks about the "historical roots" of the USA in Greenland
During a forum in Murmansk, Vladimir Putin referred to Donald Trump's plans concerning Greenland. He suggested that the United States has "serious" plans related to this region.
Moreover, Putin highlighted that these plans have "deep historical roots."
Trump had already spoken about plans to take control of Greenland during his first term, from 2017 to 2021. At the very beginning of the current term, he returned to this issue.
Commentators believe that this statement may suggest that Russia is aware of and perhaps even supports American ambitions in the Arctic. Although no direct declarations were made, the suggestion of "historical roots" can be interpreted as an understanding of American interests in this region.
Trump claims Greenlanders are asking the USA for help
- We’re dealing with a lot of people from Greenland that would like to see something happen with respect to them being properly protected and properly taken care of - Trump stated, answering journalists' questions during a recent cabinet meeting.
Trump mentioned that it was "many many people, some officials too."
If the plans for the annexation of Greenland by the USA indeed have "deep historical roots," as Putin suggests, this may mean that the United States will strive to increase its presence in the Arctic. Such a situation could affect the geopolitical balance in the region, especially in the context of growing interest in the Arctic from Russia and China.
Why is Greenland so important?
Trump emphasized that, in his view, the presence of the USA in Greenland is essential given the activity of ships from China and Russia in the region. - If we don't have Greenland, we can't have great international security - added the president.
These comments were made in the context of Vice President J.D. Vance's planned visit to the island, who, as he said, is "to assess" its security situation. Vance arrives uninvited, and no local authorities have expressed a willingness to meet with him.
According to the White House announcement, on Friday, Vice President J.D. Vance, accompanied by his wife Usha, will visit the Pituffik base in Greenland. At the same time, the previously announced visit of the US delegation led by the second lady has been canceled.
