Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Greenland cannot be considered a natural part of Denmark and that the topic of the former colonial territories is becoming increasingly acute. His statement was made at a press conference in Moscow and comes against the backdrop of growing tension between the United States and Europe over the future of the Arctic island, BTA reports.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that he wants full control over Greenland for national security reasons. On Saturday, he also announced tariffs on imports from European countries that oppose a possible American takeover of the autonomous Danish territory.
Moscow reacted with satisfaction to the deepening division between the United States and its European allies, but categorically rejected Trump's claims that Russia or China intend to establish control over Greenland. Lavrov stressed that such plans do not exist and that this is well known in Washington.
The Russian Foreign Minister described Greenland as a legacy of the colonial era, recalling that the island was under Norwegian and Danish rule before receiving the status of an associated territory in the 20th century. According to him, the fact that the local population feels comfortable today does not change the historical context.
Lavrov also drew a parallel with Crimea, saying that the peninsula is no less important for Russia's security than Greenland is for the United States. He called for the situation to be viewed through the prism of the events in Ukraine after the change of power and the referendum held in Crimea.
At the same time, Lavrov reported that Russia and the United States are currently not holding specific talks regarding the upcoming expiration of the New START nuclear arms control treaty. The agreement, which is the last in force between the world's two largest nuclear powers and limits the number of nuclear warheads, expires on February 5.
According to him, Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered Moscow to voluntarily continue to comply with the terms of the treaty after its expiration if the United States does the same. However, Russia has not received an official response from Washington so far.
US President Donald Trump has said that he would like China to be included in any future strategic stability agreement - an idea that Beijing rejects. Lavrov noted that Moscow understands China's position, as China's nuclear arsenal is significantly smaller than that of Russia and the United States.
“The Americans are talking about new negotiations on strategic stability, mentioning China, but this is happening only publicly - through statements to the media. No real expert contacts on this topic between the two countries have been held“, the Russian Foreign Minister stressed.
Meanwhile, European countries have warned that the tariffs announced by Trump could disrupt the EU-US trade agreement concluded last year. European Union leaders will discuss possible countermeasures at an emergency meeting in Brussels.