Kremlin Says it Recognizes Danish Sovereignty Over Greenland

Russia has publicly reaffirmed that Greenland remains a sovereign territory of the Kingdom of Denmark, while simultaneously warning that the surrounding political environment is becoming legally and strategically fraught. Speaking on Friday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow “proceed[s] from the understanding that Greenland is a territory of the Kingdom of Denmark,” even as Russia monitors what he called a “very controversial” and “extraordinary” situation around the island. The remarks reflect Russia may be seemingly calibrating its position, recognizing existing borders while showing concern over escalating rhetoric and activity by other powers.

Peskov pointed to conflicting statements from Washington, Copenhagen, and Nuuk. While Denmark and Greenland have repeatedly ruled out any sale of the territory, Russian officials have also taken note of U.S. statements about a possible “monetary offer to acquire Greenland in one form or another.” Peskov described this dynamic as “unusual” from the standpoint of international law, underscoring Moscow’s argument that Greenland has become a stress test for established norms governing sovereignty and territorial integrity.

U.S. Claims and Allied Pushback

Greenland’s strategic value has been openly emphasized by U.S. President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly vowed to acquire the island and has refused to rule out military means. Washington cites Greenland’s Arctic position, proximity to North America, and mineral resources, as well as concerns over Russian and Chinese activity.

White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller framed the issue in stark terms, arguing that Denmark “cannot defend Greenland” and asserting that, under “every understanding of law that has existed about territorial control for 500 years,” defense capability defines control.

Danish and Greenlandic leaders have responded to the U.S. ambition over the island in seemingly defensive terms, closing ranks with NATO and the European Union. Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen stated plainly: “If we have to choose between the United States and Denmark here and now, we choose Denmark. We choose NATO. We choose the Kingdom of Denmark. We choose the EU.”

The pushback against U.S. ambition has received a lot of solidarity from other European countries. Canada also echoed such stance when Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed Ottawa stands “fully behind” Denmark, citing NATO obligations under Article 5 and Article 2, reinforcing allied solidarity at a moment when Copenhagen appears increasingly defensive.

Arctic Security and Russia’s Response

Moscow has linked the Greenland debate directly to Arctic military posture. Russia’s Foreign Ministry said on Thursday that it will continue strengthening its defense capabilities in the Arctic in response to threats connected to Greenland, rejecting references to “Russian and Chinese activity” near the island as “unacceptable.” These statements frame Russia’s actions as reactive rather than expansionist, positioning Arctic militarization as a consequence of Western moves.

At the same time, Denmark has sought to avoid an open confrontation with Washington. Denmark’s Arctic commander, Major General Soren Andersen, said the country’s military focus in Greenland remains on Russia, not the United States, stressing that Copenhagen sees no threat from a NATO ally. Andersen noted that no Russian or Chinese ships are currently near Greenland, though he warned that Russian presence in the Arctic is expected to grow.

In what seems to be a symbolic show of solidarity, German soldiers have arrived in Greenland for a small NATO-linked reconnaissance mission led by Denmark, a move in sync with other NATO allies in the region who recently held joint military exercises with Denmark.

Greenland in Wider Geopolitical Context

Peskov’s briefing broadened beyond Greenland, tying the issue into wider security debates. On Ukraine, he said any settlement is “impossible” without dialogue on European security guarantees, calling recent positions from France, Germany, and Italy a “positive evolution.” He criticized the UK for having “no desire” to contribute to continental stability, while expressing appreciation for U.S. efforts toward a political settlement in Ukraine.

The Kremlin also pointed to rising tensions in the Middle East, with Peskov describing the situation around Iran as “extremely tense” and confirming that President Vladimir Putin held separate phone calls with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Greenland, though geographically remote, has become entangled in a broader matrix of Arctic security, NATO cohesion, U.S. assertiveness, and Russia’s insistence on formal dialogue over shifting power balances.