Recent geopolitical tensions in the Arctic have intensified following former U.S. President Donald Trump's renewed pursuit of acquiring Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory. The Moscow Times reported on January 15, 2026, that Moscow has openly taunted Europe and Denmark over Trump's plans, with pro-Kremlin figures suggesting 'Only Russia can stop this' to 'save Greenland'. Russia's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, seized the opportunity to mock the European Union, advising it to react to U.S. actions concerning Greenland with the same fervor shown during Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea. Russia views the Arctic as a region of crucial national and strategic interest, advocating for peace, dialogue, and equal cooperation. However, Moscow has expressed 'serious concern' over perceived Western 'militarization' of the Arctic and Europe's inability to defend Greenland from potential U.S. takeover. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated that Greenland is a territory of the Kingdom of Denmark and that Russia is closely monitoring the situation, rejecting any claims of Russian or Chinese aggressive plans in the region as baseless. Russia has also stated its intention to strengthen its Arctic defense capabilities in response to what it views as unacceptable escalations based on references to Russian and Chinese activity around the island. Trump's initial interest in purchasing Greenland emerged in 2019, a proposition unequivocally rejected by both Danish and Greenlandic governments. Despite consistent rejections, Trump has, since his second presidency, reiterated his intent to acquire the mineral-rich island, citing national security concerns and refusing to rule out economic or military means. This persistent ambition has led to European NATO members deploying military personnel and increasing exercise activity in Greenland, citing rising tensions and perceived threats from Russia and China. Compounding the complexity, Danish intelligence has alleged that a forged Russian letter in 2019 may have initially sparked Trump's interest, aiming to sow discord within NATO and bolster Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic. Greenlandic leaders continue to assert that the island is not for sale and its future rests solely with its people.