The Kremlin has stated that Russia considers Greenland to be Danish territory, an autonomous part of the Kingdom of Denmark, amid U.S. President Donald Trump’s ongoing push for U.S. control of the Arctic island.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the situation as “extraordinary” from the perspective of international law, adding: “On the other hand, given that President Trump is in Washington … he himself has said that international law is not a priority for him.”
Peskov also noted: “We proceed from the understanding that Greenland is a territory of the Kingdom of Denmark.”
Russia’s foreign ministry has said it is unacceptable for the West to claim Russia and China pose a threat to Greenland, describing the crisis as exposing double standards of Western powers that claim moral superiority.
The comments come as Trump has repeatedly insisted on U.S. ownership of Greenland, arguing it is essential for Arctic security and that Denmark cannot adequately protect it from Russia or China. He has threatened 10 percent tariffs on goods from eight European countries opposing the move and has not ruled out the use of force.
Denmark and Greenland leaders have repeatedly stated the island is not for sale and reject any U.S. integration.
European NATO allies have sent small numbers of troops to Greenland at Denmark’s request in response to the tensions.
Peskov said it was hard to disagree with experts who believe that if the U.S. took control of Greenland, Trump would go down in history in both the United States and world history, stating: “There are international experts who believe that by resolving the issue of Greenland’s incorporation, Trump will certainly go down in history. And not only in the history of the United States, but also in world history.” He emphasized this was a factual observation, not a judgment on whether the step would be good or bad.
"He'll go down in history." The Kremlin has weighed in on Donald Trump’s renewed talk of annexing Greenland:
— Brian McDonald (@27khv) January 19, 2026
Dmitry Peskov: "You can even put aside for a moment whether this is good or bad, or whether it fits international law or not. But there are international experts who say… pic.twitter.com/cEu7JVqsLH
Trump first proposed acquiring Greenland in 2019 and has renewed the effort in his second term, citing national security and resources.
The Kremlin has declined to comment further on alleged Russian designs on Greenland amid what it called “disturbing information” on the matter.
The White House and Danish officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
