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‘Who owns Greenland no concern to Russia’: Vladimir Putin says island could be worth $1 billion
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday said Greenland’s ownership is “of no concern” to Russia, adding that the issue should be resolved between the United States and Denmark, while also criticising Denmark’s historical treatment of the Arctic island.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday said Greenland’s ownership is “of no concern” to Russia, adding that the issue should be resolved between the United States and Denmark, while also criticising Denmark’s historical treatment of the Arctic island.
Speaking at a meeting of Russia’s Security Council, Putin addressed the matter publicly for the first time amid growing tensions between Washington and European allies over US President Donald Trump’s interest in acquiring the semi-autonomous Danish territory.
“What happens in Greenland is of no concern to us whatsoever,” Putin said.
“Incidentally, Denmark has always treated Greenland as a colony and has been quite harsh, if not cruel, towards it. But that is a different matter altogether, and hardly anyone is interested in it now,” he added.
Russia watching developments closely
Moscow has closely monitored Trump’s push to acquire Greenland, a move that has widened differences between the United States and Europe. While Russia already maintains a strong Arctic presence, it has avoided directly criticising Trump, who is also attempting to broker a deal to end the war in Ukraine.
Earlier in Davos, Trump stepped back from threats to impose tariffs as leverage and ruled out the use of force, hinting at progress toward a potential deal over the strategically important territory.
‘Could cost around $1 billion’
Putin speculated that if Greenland were ever sold, it could carry a price tag of around $1 billion.
Recalling historical land deals, he noted that Russia sold Alaska to the United States in 1867 for $7.2 million, while Denmark sold the Virgin Islands to Washington in 1917.
Using the Alaska price adjusted for inflation, along with Greenland’s larger size and changes in gold prices, Putin said the island could be valued at nearly $1 billion — a sum he suggested the US could easily afford.
“I think they will sort it out between themselves,” he said.
Diplomatic backdrop
Denmark’s financial and military support for Ukraine has strained its relations with Moscow. Meanwhile, Russia’s foreign ministry has rejected suggestions that it harbours ambitions over Greenland.
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov earlier stated that the resource-rich island, which already hosts a US military presence, is not “a natural part” of Denmark.
Though Russia has signalled limited interest in the ownership dispute, analysts say developments in Greenland and the Arctic region remain strategically significant due to security, trade routes and natural resources.
