Russia exploits Greenland tensions to distract from Ukraine

Russian propaganda is benefiting from the dispute over Greenland, according to Dr. Sergey Sukhankin from the Washington-based think tank Jamestown Foundation. Russia, observing American actions in the Arctic, is attempting to divert the West's attention from the conflict in Ukraine.

During a visit to Greenland, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance accused Denmark of insufficient actions regarding the island's security, suggesting that the United States could better oversee this region. This has caused tensions among NATO allies, which Russia is exploiting for propaganda.

Dr. Sukhankin emphasises that Russia is trying to portray American actions as another complication in the relations between the USA, Europe and Canada. The Russians are exploiting the fact that Canada does not support the "internationalisation" of the Arctic, further complicating the situation.

Russia aims to maintain its presence in the Arctic, where it extracts oil and gas, which constitute 20% of its GDP. Despite being excluded from the Arctic Council, Moscow hopes to return, leveraging the growing concerns of Arctic countries regarding China.

However, Russia has its weak points, such as demographics. Despite having 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 Arctic inhabitants, which poses an additional problem.

Russian propaganda is directed at indigenous Greenlanders, trying to convince them to distance themselves from the USA and Denmark. The Kremlin uses anti-colonial rhetoric, although it is perceived as a colonial power.

Dr. Sukhankin warns that Russia may attempt to undermine the legitimacy of the historical sale of Alaska, which could become a flashpoint in the Arctic. For now, however, Russia is too preoccupied with the situation in Ukraine to open a new front.