Tensions over Greenland’s future have taken a new turn after a senior Russian official suggested the Greenland could align with Moscow. The comments come amid renewed statements by U.S. President Donald Trump asserting that American ownership of Greenland is necessary for security reasons.

Medvedev’s Warning to Washington

In a post on social media, Russia’s Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev addressed U.S. discussions about Greenland, claiming that time may be running out for Washington.

“Trump needs to hurry,” Medvedev wrote. “According to unverified information, in a few days a sudden referendum may take place, at which all 55,000 residents of Greenland could vote to join Russia. And then that’s it!”

Medvedev added sarcastically that a U.S. takeover of Greenland could even be “good for changing the global climate,” without elaborating on the remark.

Trump’s Statements on Greenland

President Trump has repeatedly argued that the United States must acquire Greenland, warning that otherwise Russia or China could expand their influence in the region. He has said that military presence alone would not be sufficient and that ownership is necessary to secure U.S. interests.

Trump has also claimed that Chinese and Russian submarines and other naval vessels operate near Greenland, saying the United States would not allow such activity to continue and would “get Greenland one way or another.”

NATO and Denmark in the Spotlight

Asked whether a U.S. move on Greenland could strain unity among NATO allies, Trump said allied countries need Washington more than the U.S. needs them. Denmark, however, has firmly rejected any proposal involving the transfer of Greenland’s sovereignty.

Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark and has previously dismissed approaches from the United States that included the idea of changing its sovereign status.