In a notable development on January 19, 2026, Kirill Dmitriev — Russian President Vladimir Putin's special envoy and head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund — stated that Putin "understands the U.S. rationale" for seeking control over Greenland. Dmitriev shared this view on social media, linking to historical remarks by Putin highlighting long-standing American interest in the Arctic island dating back to the 1860s.
This comment stands out against the backdrop of sharp divisions within NATO, where U.S. President Donald Trump has aggressively pushed for the purchase (or potentially stronger measures) to acquire Greenland from Denmark, framing it as essential for national security, countering Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic, securing rare earth minerals, and bolstering missile defense capabilities.
Why This Matters
Greenland's strategic value is undeniable:
- It sits at the heart of the Arctic region, commanding key shipping routes, military positioning, and vast untapped natural resources.
The U.S. already maintains Pituffik Space Base (formerly Thule Air Base) there under existing agreements.
Trump has tied his demands to new 10% tariffs (escalating to 25%) on several European NATO allies — including Denmark, Norway, Germany, France, the UK, and others — unless a deal for "complete and total" U.S. ownership is reached. He has described European military deployments to Greenland as a "dangerous game."
European leaders have strongly condemned the threats, viewing them as damaging to alliance unity. Meanwhile, Russia appears to revel in the discord: Dmitriev has mocked European officials, celebrated the apparent "collapse of the transatlantic union," and urged Europe not to "provoke their daddy" (referring to Trump). Moscow sees the rift as a strategic win, even while expressing some private concerns about long-term Arctic security implications for Russia.
The Bigger Picture
While Putin's envoy expresses understanding of the U.S. strategic logic, the Kremlin has also emphasized respect for international law and described Greenland as Danish territory in other statements — a position that contrasts sharply with Russia's actions in Ukraine.
The situation has turned the Arctic into a tense geopolitical flashpoint. With NATO allies at odds, European troops conducting exercises in the region, and Russia quietly positioning itself as an amused observer, Trump's next steps could significantly reshape global alliances, trade relationships, and power dynamics in the far north.
The saga continues to unfold rapidly, with potential ripple effects far beyond the icy shores of Greenland. 👀❄️🇺🇸🇷🇺🇩🇰
