 "Putin cites ‘historical roots’ behind Trump’s Greenland annexation plans")
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday (March 27) termed his US counterpart Donald Trump’s plan to annex Greenland ‘serious’, adding that such plans had long-standing “historical roots”.
“We are talking about serious plans on the American side with regard to Greenland. These plans have long-standing historical roots,” the Russian leader said while speaking at an Arctic forum in Murmansk, a city in northern Russia.
Putin added that Trump’s brazen stance on Greenland may surprise some, “but only at first glance.”
“It is a deep mistake to think that this is some extravagant talk from the new American administration. It is nothing of the sort,” he stated.
The Russian leader added that Trump’s ambitions showed geopolitical competition in the area is intensifying.
“It is obvious that the role and importance of the Arctic both for Russia and for the whole world is growing. But unfortunately, geopolitical competition, the struggle for positions in this region, is also intensifying,” Putin said.
Russia to boost troop deployment in Arctic
Putin further stated Russia was concerned that “NATO countries in general are increasingly designating the Far North as a springboard for possible conflicts”, adding that Russia was monitoring the situation and preparing an appropriate response.
Putin also announced his own plans to boost military deployment in the Arctic region.
Trump’s fresh Greenland bid
Earlier this week, Trump reiterated that US will “go as far as we have to go” to gain control of the Danish island.
“We need Greenland for international safety and security. We need it. We have to have it,” he said during an interview with podcaster Vince Coglianese. “I hate to put it that way, but we’re going to have to have it.”
Impact Shorts
More ShortsVP Vance to visit Greenland amid criticism
His remarks came ahead of a planned visit to Greenland by US Vice President JD Vance and his wife, the second lady of the US, Usha Vance.
The US VP is supposed to visit the Pituffik Space Base, an American military installation dedicated to space operations.
The proposed visit has drawn criticism from officials in Greenland and Denmark.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen earlier stated that Usha Vance’s visit to the island represented an “unacceptable pressure” on Denmark and Greenland.
Usha Vance originally planned to attend a dog sled race elsewhere, but the White House reportedly cancelled that trip. Instead, she will accompany her husband on the base visit.
JD Vance said he would focus on “security” issues concerning the vast Arctic island during his visit.
(With inputs from agencies)
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