Former President Donald Trump's recent pronouncements about potentially acquiring Greenland and the Panama Canal have sparked international concern and drawn criticism from world leaders. His rhetoric, which also included mentioning Canada as a potential "51st state," has been labeled "dramatic" by Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, who emphasized Russia's strategic interests in the Arctic and their close observation of the unfolding situation.
Trump's suggestion of using military or economic force to seize Greenland and the Panama Canal drew sharp rebukes, particularly from German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who stressed the importance of national sovereignty as a cornerstone of international law and Western values. Scholz expressed unease among European partners regarding Trump's statements and emphasized the need for unity.
While some European leaders expressed concern, others offered more measured responses. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reiterated that Greenland is not for sale while acknowledging the increased international interest in the territory. Greenland's Prime Minister Múte Egede, a proponent of independence from Denmark, called for calm and expressed a desire to collaborate with the U.S. and NATO allies on Arctic security.
Greenland's status as a Danish territory under NATO protection adds another layer of complexity. Any attack on Greenland, even by the U.S., would activate Article Five of the NATO treaty, potentially leading to military intervention by other member states. The Trump transition team defended the former president's remarks, stating that his decisions are guided by the best interests of the United States. However, they did not address the potential violation of NATO treaties.
Peskov noted the seemingly cautious reaction from European leaders to Trump's statements, contrasting it with Russia's annexation of Ukrainian territories, which are not internationally recognized as part of Russia. He highlighted the perceived double standard in respecting the will of the people in different geopolitical contexts.
