In brief
In a remarkable turn of events, Russian state media has lauded US President Donald Trump's intentions to control Greenland, while critiquing European leaders who oppose such moves. Moscow views Trump's ambitions as a strategic opportunity to exacerbate tensions within the transatlantic alliance and strengthen its own position.
Listen to Donald Trump and you would think Moscow and Beijing were lying in wait off the coast of Greenland, ready to pounce to boost their power in the Arctic.
There are Russian destroyers, there are Chinese destroyers and, bigger, there are Russian submarines all over the place, President Trump said recently.
That is why, according to America's president, US control of Greenland is essential.
So how do you think Moscow has reacted to its alleged plot being uncovered and potentially thwarted by a US takeover of Greenland?
The Russians can't be pleased. Right?
Wrong.
In an astonishing article, the Russian government paper is full of praise for Trump and critical of European leaders who oppose a US annexation of Greenland.
Standing in the way of the US president's historic breakthrough is the stubbornness of Copenhagen and the mock solidarity of intransigent European countries, including so-called friends of America, Britain and France, writes Rossiyskaya Gazeta.
Europe does not need the American greatness that Trump is promoting. Brussels is counting on 'drowning' the US president in the midterm congressional elections, on preventing him from concluding the greatest deal of his life.
In fact, the coverage has been so favorable towards Trump that one might confuse it for a pro-Trump publication rather than a Russian government newspaper.
The article goes on to assert that if Trump successfully annexes Greenland by July 4, 2026, he would carve his name into history alongside great American leaders.
Russia's positive stance signals a desire to further weaken transatlantic ties as Moscow believes that any strain on the alliance is advantageous to its geopolitical aims.
Pro-Kremlin commentators are using America's threats to annex Greenland to justify their ongoing war in Ukraine. This dynamic indicates that strengthening ties with Trump's administration may align with Moscow's broader war goals.
