The Kremlin has expressed its close monitoring of President-elect Donald Trump's recent comments regarding his desire to acquire Greenland, take over the Panama Canal, and consider Canada as a potential '51st state.' Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized the importance of the Arctic region as a zone of national and strategic interests, highlighting the need to maintain peace and stability in the area.
European leaders, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, have raised concerns over Trump's expansionist rhetoric, emphasizing the fundamental principle of national sovereignty in international law. Despite the uneasiness expressed by some European partners, there is a call for unity and solidarity in response to Trump's statements.
Denmark and Greenland officials have clarified their positions, with Denmark's Prime Minister confirming that Greenland is not for sale and Greenland's Prime Minister expressing readiness to work with the incoming U.S. administration and NATO allies to ensure security in the Arctic region.
Notably, Greenland, as a territory of Denmark and a NATO member, is protected under the international alliance. Any potential threat to Greenland, including from the U.S., would trigger a military response from NATO allies under Article Five of the treaty.
While the Trump transition team did not directly address concerns about violating the NATO treaty, they emphasized that all decisions made by President Trump are in the best interest of the United States and its people, citing national security and economic considerations.
Russian leaders have observed the cautious responses from some European leaders and suggested that Europe is reacting timidly to Trump's statements. The Kremlin spokesperson pointed to the need for respecting the opinions of people in various regions, referencing the annexation of regions in Ukraine by Russia in 2022.
