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Greenland issue

Trump says Greenland ‘part of North America,’ calls it ‘US territory’

The US leader noted the island's importance to US security

WASHINGTON, January 21. /TASS/. Greenland is part of North America and "US territory," so it is of primary interest for security reasons, US President Donald Trump said at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

He described Greenland as an "enormous, unsecured island that is actually part of North America." "That's our territory," Trump reiterated, noting its importance to US security.

When asked about the rare earth metals in Greenland, Trump noted that "you got to go through hundreds of feet of ice" to get them. "That's not the reason we need it (Greenland - TASS). We need it for strategic national security and international security," the US president added.

Trump also said that for hundreds of years, US policy has been to prevent external threats from entering the Western Hemisphere. "And we've done it very successfully. We've never been stronger than we are now," the US leader pointed out.

Greenland is Denmark's autonomous territory. In 1951, Washington and Copenhagen signed the Greenland Defense Agreement in addition to their NATO alliance commitments. Under the treaty, the US committed to defend the island from potential aggression. Trump argues that owning Greenland is necessary to strengthen US national security and deploy the Golden Dome missile defense system effectively.

Western nations must become stronger than ever, preserve common heritage, says Trump

The US leader highlighted that the Western countries should take advantage of the time that they lived in

Don't 'write off' OSCE yet, says Russian envoy

The organization already possesses all the tools it needs to return to credibility, no new decisions are required, Dmitry Polyansky explained

Greenland dispute stems from colonial era legacy — Lavrov

The Russian Foreign Minister noted that in the mid-20th century an agreement was signed, making it part of Denmark

Greenland issue political rather than military — NATO general

Alexus Grynkewich emphasized that the alliance's mission to defend and deter aggression against any part of its territory had not changed

Hundreds of Impulse heavy-duty ground robotic systems delivered to special op zone

The All-Russian People’s Front said that the Impulse platform supports remote control via radio or fiber optics

NATO to become far weaker without US — Trump

The US President also stressed that he had made NATO "much better and stronger"

Russia delivers massive overnight strike on Ukrainian military sites over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted roughly 200 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed two enemy tanks in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

United States possesses weapons unknown to anyone else — Trump

The US leader did not provide details about the mentioned weaponry

Israel begins demolishing UNRWA compound in Jerusalem

The UNRWA compound’s territory will be transferred to government control and put up for sale

Number of wounded in drone attack on south Russian apartment block rises to 11

Nine of them were hospitalized, including two children

Moldova’s withdrawal from CIS to take more than one year

The resolution will enter into force after an official notification by the Moldovan foreign ministry

IN BRIEF: Lavrov on irreversible multipolarity, Board of Peace, US territorial ambitions

The Russian foreign minister said that Moscow sees inconsistency in the Trump administration's approach to international security issues

Trump won’t change UK’s position on Greenland with tariffs — PM

Keir Starmer pointed out that the issue of Greenland should be decided only by its inhabitants and Denmark

Key suspect in 2024 murder of Russian General Kirillov sentenced to life in prison

The crime was planned by Ukraine

Europe to blame itself for advent of world-without-rules era — senior Russian legislator

Leonid Slutsky recalled that Russia had repeatedly warned of the impending crisis in European security and the economic dangers posed by Brussels' increasingly Russophobic policies

Pentagon has not been given order to plan Greenland invasion — NYT

The Pentagon develops contingency plans for various unforeseen military circumstances, the publication noted

Zelensky cancels trip to Davos due to disrupted meeting with Trump — Rada member

Alexey Goncharenko said that no agreement will be signed

Spanish Foreign Minister calls for creation of 'coalition of willing' to protect EU

Jose Manuel Albares said that Europe needed its own army

Trump believes he prevented NATO from ending up in ‘ash heap of history’

The US leader has on numerous occasions stated that he considered himself the savior of the North Atlantic Alliance

Belarusian president signs document on Belarus joining Gaza ‘Board of Peace’

It is noted that the appeal was sent in full accordance with the procedure outlined in Donald Trump’s letter

Canada views collective West as thing of past — Canadian premier on US policies

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney opined that up until now Western countries assumed that their geographical position and membership in various alliances automatically guarantees economic prosperity and security

US clearly has secret weapons, but bragging about them unwise — expert

"Equipping special services with such means is, by and large, a big state and military secret, because the whole point of using these special means lies in their surprise effect," Mikhail Khodaryonok said

Russia wants to remain Canada’s good neighbor — ambassador

Oleg Stepanov said this while commenting on Canadian prime minister’s anti-Russian rhetoric during the World Economic Forum in Davos

Russian presidential envoy tells Polish premier that appeasement is EU’s only choice

Donald Tusk earlier called the appeasement policy a "sign of weakness"

NORAD says its planes to arrive in Greenland soon

"This activity has been coordinated with the Kingdom of Denmark", North American Joint Aerospace Defense Command noted

Danish pension fund decides to sell US Treasury Bonds

AkademikerPension holds US bonds worth about $100 mln

Ukrainian lawmaker names cause of heating problems in Kiev

Anna Skorokhod noted that the previous winters had been quite warm in Ukraine, so no one had made preparations for the winter season, but now "the situation is tough"

Over 20 leaders accept invitation to join 'Board of Peace' — Witkoff

US Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff believes that Russia will join the body

Europe concerned about its over-dependence on US gas supplies — newspaper

Europe needs a clear understanding and strategy that reflects geopolitical realities, Handelsblatt reported, citing Raffaele Piria, a Senior Fellow at the Berlin-based Ecologic Institute

Russian security forces say 1,424 Ukrainians detained on Belarus-Ukraine border in 2025

More and more Ukrainian citizens are choosing to flee to Belarus rather than Europe, Russian security forces said

Europe is displaying 'blatant helplessness' over Greenland — Russian legislator

Vyacheslav Nikonov observed that recent days have witnessed a noteworthy development, which he described as a "geopolitical reset of Europe to zero"

EU diplomats fear Trump could misinterpret Greenland troop deployment — media

The FT noted that Danish officials said the troop deployment was preceded by "months of fruitless private diplomacy" with Washington

US to begin ground operations against drug trafficking soon — Trump

Donald Trump also added that the US government plans to start operations against drug trafficking by land soon

Press review: AI models Greenland war games and a hard look at Trump's Board of Peace

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, January 21st

Kremlin refuses to comment on Russia-US meeting at Davos

Earlier, Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev met with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and businessman Jared Kushner for more than two hours of talks

US will not not use force to acquire Greenland — Trump

The US president still noted that Washington's "excessive strength and force" would be "unstoppable"

Ukrainian armed forces committed genocide of Russians in Krasnoarmeysk — Tribunal

According to chairman Maxim Grigoriev, testimonies from victims and eyewitnesses of the Ukrainian armed forces' crimes detail where, how, and when the killings and torture of local residents took place

Trump believes Greenland issue to be resolved, NATO preserved

Donald Trump stressed that the US needs Greenland for security purposes

EU troop deployment to Greenland aimed at deterring US — WSJ

Officially, European capitals presented the deployment as military exercises aimed at countering Russia and China

Zelensky does not back Trump's idea of bringing Greenland into US

Vladimir Zelensky expressed hope that Washington "will listen to Europe’s diplomatic message"

Witkoff describes talks with Dmitriev as ‘very positive’

This is how the US President's Special Representative answered Izvestia's question

Trump may rush to Armageddon, ending aid to Ukraine, over EU’s trade bazooka — NYT

According to the report, "that would be a disaster for Europe"

Thirteen injured, 75 drones downed in Adygea: aftermath of attack on Russian regions

In Adygea, 13 people, including two children, were injured due to a drone strike on an apartment building

One killed, 15 wounded in commuter train accident in Spain’s Catalonia — agency

Doctors and police are working at the scene

Ukraine policy, Russia's refusal to engage in rules-based dialogue: Lavrov’s statements

According to the foreign minister, Russia is ready to work with anyone willing to "negotiate honestly, on an equal footing, without blackmail or pressure"

Trump’s single statement pushes Zelensky to edges of Davos forum — Russian diplomat

No problems facing Ukraine and the Ukrainian people could have prevented Zelensky from racing to Davos had he had the chance to meet with the US president, Russian Foreign Ministry’s Ambassador-at-Large Rodion Miroshnik noted

Europe might agree to hand over Greenland to appease US — Bloomberg

A sense is growing that events are spinning out of control, the newspaper said

Russian MFA likens Moldova's dependence on EU funding to drug addiction

Maria Zakharova emphasized that the current "socio-economic state of the republic can be described as nothing other than catastrophic"

Russia not surprised by Moldova’s decision to leave CIS — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov noted that the republic did not participate in the work of the organization

IN BRIEF: Threats to 'abduct' Putin,' Greenland: statements by Russian Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova said all issues around Greenland should be resolved within the framework of international law

EU has no interest in 'picking a fight' with US over Greenland — diplomacy chief

Kaja Kallas stressed that direct threats "will not pressure Denmark into handing over Greenland"

Trump supports preserving UN despite formation of Board of Peace

The US leader acknowledged that the Board of Peace could potentially replace the UN

Meeting with Witkoff on Putin’s Thursday schedule — Kremlin spokesman

According to the US president's special envoy, entrepreneur Jared Kushner will be flying to Russia with him

IN BRIEF: What is known about roof collapse in Siberian shopping center

Two people were injured

Kiev mayor says Ukrainian capital on brink of humanitarian disaster

Vitaly Klichko noted that "the situation is critical with basic services — heating, water, electricity"

IN BRIEF: What is known about upcoming Putin-Witkoff meeting in Moscow

Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed the meeting is on Putin's schedule

Turmoil over Greenland pushing Ukraine into background at Davos — Politico

Kiev increasingly risks "being forgotten, to rising frustration in Ukraine and Europe," as diplomatic priorities shift

US seizes Sagitta tanker in Caribbean — Pentagon

The US Southern Command emphasized that the tanker operated in defiance of US President Donald Trump’s established quarantine

Zelensky says he doesn’t believe talks with US have reached dead end

The head of Kiev regime emphasized that the talks continued non-stop

Russia considers British, French arsenals in nuclear security matters — Lavrov

Speaking about China's participation in such negotiations, the minister recalled that Beijing had already made its position clear

France aims to foster dialogue with BRICS within G7 — Macron

Emmanuel Macron stated that France would strive to restore the G7 as a forum for candid dialogue

Hungary, Slovakia to challenge ban on Russian fuel supplies at EU court — top diplomat

The countries have already drafted legal rationale behind their motion to reverse the Europan Commission’s plan "making purchases of Russian natural gas impossible beginning from October 2027," Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said

Ukraine not among top issues discussed during Davos meeting on energy — Naftogaz head

Sergey Koretsky emphasized that Kiev needs more Western financial support to meet the energy demand in Ukraine

Israeli bullets found in bodies of children killed in Iran — TASS source

Unrest in Iran began on December 29, 2025, after street protests triggered by a sharp fall in the Iranian rial exchange rate, spreading across most major cities

China rises in defense of UN after Trump's remarks Board of Peace may take over

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun also noted that China has received an invitation from the United States to participate in the organization

European Parliament suspends ratification of trade deal with the US — AFP

The trade deal was clinched between the EU and the US in 2025

US to scale down participation in 30 NATO mechanisms — WP

According to the newspaper, among the advisory groups facing cuts are those dedicated to the alliance’s energy security and naval warfare, special operations and intelligence

Russia reiterates its commitment to strengthen ties with CAR after presidential election

The Russian side hopes that Central African society will continue moving along the path of sustainable political and socio-economic development

EU-Mercosur free trade agreement will not be ratified in Hungary — Orban

The Hungarian PM noted that the European Commission had tried to cheat by introducing additional rules that would allow the agreement to enter into force before it was approved by EU parliaments

Netanyahu says wants to turn Israel into ‘global power’

Benjamin Netanyahu specified that Israel needed strong defense and independent production capacity

Iran's armed forces on full combat alert — deputy commander

According to deputy commander of the elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Ahmad Vahidi, the capabilities of the armed forces of the Islamic Republic are outstanding

Trump says he continues effort to resolve Ukrainian conflict

The US leader also reiterated that he had ended "eight wars"

North Korea produces enough nuclear material for 20 warheads each year — Seoul

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung proposed freezing North Korea's missile and nuclear programs

Russian forces push Ukrainian army away from Dnieper river shore near Kherson — commander

The Ukrainian army is trying to hold its positions at the edge of the right bank of the Dnieper River and is secretly shelling the left bank of the Kherson Region while avoiding any active armed clashes

Former Japanese premier Shinzo Abe’s killer sentenced to life in prison

The defense has requested a 20-year prison sentence for Tetsuya Yamagami

West discusses doing away with NATO — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister pointed out that the Euro-Atlantic concept of security and cooperation has proved unworkable

Ukrainian drone attack causes fire in apartment building in Russia’s Adygea — authorities

Regional head Murat Kumpilov stressed that emergency services are working at the scene

Israel says seizure of UNWRA compound in Jerusalem was legitimate

The Israeli side once again claimed that UNWRA was linked to the radical Palestinian movements Hamas and Islamic Jihad

Russian troops strike Ukrainian loitering munitions warehouse over past day

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,260 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

Dmitriev comments on tension between Berlin, Paris

According to the media, the schism between Germany and France may prevent the European Union from presenting a united front against US President Donald Trump

Russian finance ministry does not believe country is obligated to repay 'tsarist debts'

Earlier, Noble Capital RSD filed a lawsuit against Russia demanding the payment of $225.8 bln based on the country's alleged obligations under sovereign bonds issued during the Russian Empire

Still early to speak of Russia’s participation in Board of Peace on Gaza — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov said there are a lot of questions about this initiative so far

Putin to discuss with government issues raised during Q&A session

Russian President responded to 77 questions during the combined Direct Line Q&A session and year-end press conference

Europe should not allow someone else to engage in dialogue with Russia — Macron

At the same time, French leader did not confirm whether a G7 meeting with Russian representatives could take place in Paris in the coming days

Press review: Europe, US on brink of trade war as Russia ready to respond to UK plans

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, January 19th

Trump en route to Zurich after delay caused by aircraft malfunction — AFP

According to the White House press pool, the US leader transferred to a smaller aircraft

Air Force 1 en route to Davos returns to Washington due to malfunction — White House

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitte said that it was a minor issue, and the plane was returning back as a precaution

At least 75 Ukrainian drones downed over Russian regions overnight

45 of them were destroyed over the Krasnodar Region

Legacy-minded Trump wants to be remembered for annexing Greenland — Medvedev

The senior Russian security official wondered how far the current US leader would go to achieve that goal

US should not use China as pretext for purchasing Greenland — MFA

"The rights and freedoms of all countries to conduct activities in the Arctic in accordance with the law should be fully respected," the Chinese foreign ministry stressed

Pentagon begins deployment of military aircraft to Middle East — WSJ

The publication reported that additional air defense systems, including Patriot and Thaad missile systems, are necessary to repel possible retaliatory strikes from Iran

Bornholm island sustained power outage — newspaper

The cable supplying electricity to the island from Sweden was not damaged

Evacuation ordered at south Russian apartment building after drone fragments fall nearby

In the settlement of Afipsky, drone fragments fell near an apartment building, including the warhead

US no longer Europe’s ally, says Belgian PM

According to Bart De Wever, the shift in America is not bound to one presidency

Pistorius has to live with statements about 'inevitable' NATO-Russia war — Lavrov

On November 15, 2025, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said that a war between Russia and NATO could allegedly begin before 2029

Denmark threatens to seize land under Russian embassy buildings — ambassador

Vladimir Barbin said the embassy in Denmark is operating in the face of tough opposition from the Danish authorities and an actual blockade

Ukrainian energy needs $1bln worth of energy equipment — minister

The Ukrainian energy sector urgently needs new transformers, mobile substations and power grid equipment, Economic Minister Alexey Sobolev said

Trump arrives in Davos to participate in World Economic Forum — TV channel

After disembarking, the US leader, accompanied by security, headed for his car

At some point EU will have to talk with Russia on Ukraine — European commissioner

According to Andrius Kubilius, dialogue with Russia makes no sense without a strategic plan

France proposes holding NATO drills in Greenland — Reuters

According to the source, the French armed forces are ready to join the exercises

Lavrov sees no grounds for signing mutual assistance accords with Greenland, Iceland

The Russian foreign minister admitted that it is unlikely that "anyone in Nuuk or Reykjavik is seriously considering this topic"