Camilla Jessen
Arctic rivalry grows as Putin criticizes U.S. pressure.
Global tensions are sharpening as disputes in the far north spill into open political confrontation.
At the center lies Greenland and a widening rift between allies and rivals.
Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a thinly veiled rebuke of U.S. policy, accusing unnamed powers of trying to impose their will on others through force rather than dialogue.
“Dialogue between states ends up resembling a monologue of those who, by virtue of the right of the strongest, believe that it is their right to impose their will, dictate rules of life and give orders,” Putin said.
Though Donald Trump was not mentioned directly, the remarks were widely interpreted as Moscow’s first public reaction to Washington’s ambitions in Greenland.
Arctic accusations
The Kremlin also rejected claims that Russia seeks to take control of Greenland, insisting it will maintain its position in the Arctic while blaming Western states for growing instability.
“Before blaming others for the rifts between them, NATO and EU bureaucrats should first recognize their own responsibility for the deep and rapid erosion of global security,” said Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry.
She added that Russia would continue to strengthen sovereignty in the Arctic, focusing on defense and infrastructure along the Northern Sea Route.
France steps in
France responded with a clear warning that any violation of an allied state’s sovereignty would carry serious consequences.
President Emmanuel Macron announced an increased French military presence in Greenland as part of Denmark’s Arctic Endurance exercise.
“In Greenland, an autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark, Europeans have a special responsibility,” Macron said, noting that French land, air and sea forces are already being deployed and will be reinforced in the coming days.
The statements followed failed talks in Washington, where foreign ministers from Denmark and Greenland were unable to reach agreement with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Sources: Digi24
