LONDON, December 27. /TASS/. US President-elect Donald Trump's statements about the possibility of buying Greenland are likely to escalate tensions in the Arctic, Russian Ambassador to Norway Nikolay Korchunov told a TASS correspondent.
"Donald Trump's proposal, which, as we see, does not find a response in Denmark, can only bring uncertainty and tension to the region. In recent years, we have seen an increased US presence in Greenland, accompanied by a push to exclude China from there," the Russian diplomat pointed out. "In 2020, the Americans opened a consulate in Greenland's capital Nuuk, announced extensive scientific and investment programs, which can only indicate the increased role of the island in the US Arctic policy. The soft expansion of the US in Greenland is evident," he said.
According to the ambassador, the US administration, repeatedly announcing the possibility of acquiring Greenland, "cannot give up" on the idea.
Reliance on law
The diplomat pointed out that Greenland and Denmark are not the only Arctic Council members feeling pressure on their sovereignty, and are in a difficult position in light of possible moves by the incoming Trump administration.
"Obviously, the American-centricity of their foreign policy increases their vulnerability to pressure from Washington," Korchunov said. "In the emerging situation, characterized by political unpredictability and uncertainty, it seems extremely important to build a policy and act on the basis of international law, the principles of mutual consideration of interests, and inclusive dialogue," he emphasized.
The ambassador also pointed out the importance of ensuring that growing disagreements with the United States do not negatively affect preparations for the transition of the chairmanship of the Arctic Council from Norway to Denmark. "Obviously, deteriorating relations between the Arctic Council member states cannot be in favor of its activities, as the events of 2022 have clearly demonstrated. In general, the observed decline of multilateral formats based on inclusive dialogue in the Arctic is probably the most unfavorable scenario for the region," the diplomat said.
Greenland not for sale
Earlier this week, Trump said that the US "feels that the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity."
Back in 2019, during his first term as president, Trump suggested that the US could purchase the island, which is an autonomous territory within Denmark. At the time, Greenland and Danish authorities dismissed the idea as preposterous.
According to the Russian ambassador, it cannot be ruled out that the Trump administration may show interest in Norway’s Spitsbergen (Svalbard) archipelago. "Norway is in a more advantageous position than Canada and Denmark, because in the case of Spitsbergen, there is a strong deterrent in the form of the 1920 Spitsbergen Treaty, the parties to which, including Russia, will certainly not permit a change in the special status of the archipelago," Korchunov said.