Russia Vows to Boost Arctic Defenses Amid Greenland Tensions

Amid growing geopolitical competition in the Arctic, Russia has signaled a tougher stance on regional security, announcing plans to bolster its defense posture in response to tensions surrounding Greenland and increased NATO activity in the High North.

Moscow: Arctic Sovereignty Will Be Defended

Speaking at a press briefing in Moscow on Thursday, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Russia would continue strengthening its defense capabilities in the Arctic region, describing the move as essential to protecting national sovereignty.

“Our country will firmly defend its positions in the region,” Zakharova said, adding that priority would be given to reinforcing defense capabilities and infrastructure along the Northern Sea Route, a strategic shipping corridor increasingly central to Russia’s Arctic strategy.

Russia and China Reject Escalation Narrative

Zakharova stressed that Moscow aligns with Beijing in rejecting claims that Russian or Chinese activities around Greenland justify heightened tensions. She described such arguments as unacceptable and politically motivated.

“We agree with China’s position that references to certain Russian and Chinese activities are being used as a pretext for escalation,” she said, arguing that the current rise in tensions is a direct result of NATO actions in the Arctic.

NATO and US Criticized Over Greenland

The Foreign Ministry spokeswoman accused the United States of designating Greenland as a “sphere of US interests” while promoting what she called a baseless narrative of a Russian threat. According to Zakharova, NATO has turned the Arctic into an arena of geopolitical competition and is prepared to rely on military means to strengthen its presence.

“They first invent so-called aggressors and then claim they are ready to protect others from these alleged threats,” she said.

Warning to European Capitals

Zakharova issued a clear warning to European countries, stating that any attempt to escalate tensions or create security threats for Russia in the Arctic would carry serious and far-reaching consequences.

“Any attempts to ignore Russia’s interests in the Arctic, especially in the field of security, will not go unanswered,” she said, emphasizing that Russia is a full-fledged member of the Arctic community.

Greenland, the US, and Strategic Defense Plans

The remarks follow comments made on Wednesday by US President Donald Trump, who said Washington needs control of Greenland for its planned “Golden Dome” air and missile defense system.

Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. In 1951, the United States and Denmark signed a defense treaty alongside their NATO commitments, under which Washington pledged to defend the island against potential aggression.

Call for Diplomacy

Despite the sharp rhetoric, Zakharova said disputes over Greenland should be resolved through negotiations in line with international law and with respect for the interests of the island’s population. At the same time, Moscow made clear that it views military and security issues in the Arctic as a red line it is prepared to defend.