Russia manipulates Arctic tensions to distract from Ukraine
Russia is using the Greenland dispute for propaganda purposes, diverting the West's attention from Ukraine, according to expert Dr. Sergey Sukhankin from the Jamestown Foundation. Just a few months ago, Russian rhetoric about the Arctic was opposed to that of the United States.
Russian propaganda is benefiting from the Greenland dispute, which, according to Dr. Sergey Sukhankin from the Washington-based think tank Jamestown Foundation, is advantageous for Moscow. Russia, observing American actions in the Arctic, is trying to divert the West's attention from the conflict in Ukraine.
American accusations against Denmark
US Vice President J.D. Vance, during a visit to Greenland, accused Denmark of insufficient action regarding the island's security, suggesting that the United States could better manage this region. This has caused tensions among NATO allies, which Russia is exploiting for propaganda purposes.
A better Greenland in Trump's hands than Putin's? "Definitely"
Dr. Sukhankin emphasizes that Russia seeks to portray American actions as another crack in the relations between the USA and Europe and Canada. The Russians are exploiting the fact that Canada does not support the "internationalization" of the Arctic, which further complicates the situation.
Russia aims to maintain its presence in the Arctic, where it extracts oil and gas, accounting for 20 percent of its GDP. Despite being excluded from the Arctic Council, Moscow hopes for a return by leveraging the growing concerns of Arctic countries regarding China.
Read also: Denmark's clear stance. "You cannot take over a part of another country."
However, Russia has its weak points, such as demographics. Despite a larger population in the Russian part of the Arctic, there is still a shortage of people to defend this area. Moscow does not trust the indigenous peoples of the Arctic, which is an additional issue.
Russians target Greenland's Indigenous Peoples
Russian propaganda is directed at Greenland's Indigenous peoples, trying to convince them to cut ties with the USA and Denmark. The Kremlin is using anti-colonial rhetoric, although it is seen as a colonial force itself.
Dr. Sukhankin warns that Russia might attempt to undermine the legality of the historical Alaska sale transaction, which could become a flashpoint in the Arctic. For now, however, Russia is too occupied with the situation in Ukraine to open a new front.
Read also: Donald Trump remains persistent. "We will have Greenland."
