Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a warning to Western nations on Thursday regarding growing tensions in the Arctic, announcing plans to bolster Russia’s military presence in the region. His remarks came as U.S. President Donald Trump pursues efforts to assert control over Greenland.
Speaking at a policy forum in Murmansk, Putin expressed concerns over NATO’s increasing activities in the Arctic, marking his first public response to Trump’s interest in the Danish territory. “We are certainly troubled by NATO members framing the Far North as a potential conflict zone,” he stated. “Russia has never posed a threat in the Arctic, but we will monitor the situation closely and respond accordingly by enhancing our military capabilities and upgrading infrastructure.”
While Putin acknowledged that Trump’s Greenland ambitions are not currently a direct concern for Moscow, he warned against NATO using the region as a strategic foothold for conflict. “We will not tolerate any threats to our sovereignty and will steadfastly defend our national interests,” he affirmed.
In February, the Kremlin suggested a potential partnership with the U.S. to develop Arctic resources, as Russia continues reopening bases and expanding its commercial activities in the region. “The Arctic’s importance is growing, both for Russia and globally. Unfortunately, so is geopolitical competition and the struggle for influence,” Putin remarked.
Putin’s comments follow Trump’s recent insistence on Greenland’s strategic importance, telling Vince Coglianese in an interview Wednesday that the U.S. needs control over the territory for “international safety and security.” Trump maintained that upcoming diplomatic visits, including Vice President JD Vance and his wife Usha’s trip to Greenland, are meant as gestures of goodwill rather than aggression.
However, Greenland’s Prime Minister Múte Egede voiced skepticism, telling local newspaper Sermitsiaq on Sunday that the visit’s “only purpose” is to exert dominance over the island.
