President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that the question of who controls Greenland does not concern Russia, adding that the issue should be resolved directly between the United States and Denmark.
Speaking publicly on the matter for the first time, Putin dismissed speculation that Moscow has any stake in Greenland’s future, even as Washington’s interest in acquiring the Arctic territory has strained relations with European allies.
Russia Watches Dispute From the Sidelines
Moscow has followed developments with interest as U.S. President Donald Trump pursued the idea of bringing Greenland under American control—an effort that has deepened divisions between Washington and Europe. While the proposal could have broader Arctic implications, Russia has avoided taking a confrontational stance.
Putin said that disagreements over Greenland’s status should be settled without Russia’s involvement. “What happens in Greenland is of no concern to us whatsoever,” he told a meeting of Russia’s Security Council.
Trump Softens Tone at Davos
Earlier on Wednesday, speaking at the Davos forum, Trump appeared to ease his rhetoric. He stepped back from threats to use tariffs or force as leverage and suggested there had been movement toward resolving the dispute over the semi-autonomous Danish territory—an issue that risked becoming the most serious rift in transatlantic relations in decades.
Criticism of Denmark’s Historical Role
Putin also criticised Denmark’s historical treatment of Greenland, describing it as colonial and, at times, harsh. He stressed, however, that such issues were secondary and no longer the focus of international attention.
“That is a separate matter altogether,” he said, adding that few countries are interested in revisiting Denmark’s past governance of the island.
A $1 Billion Estimate and Historical Precedents
Putin speculated that Greenland’s value could approach $1 billion. He pointed to historical land deals involving the United States, including the 1867 purchase of Alaska from Russia and Denmark’s 1917 sale of the Virgin Islands to Washington.
Adjusting the Alaska deal for inflation, land size, and shifts in gold prices, Putin said a Greenland transaction could plausibly fall around the $1 billion mark—an amount he suggested the U.S. could afford.
Ukraine War Adds Diplomatic Undercurrent
Relations between Russia and Denmark have been strained by Copenhagen’s financial and military support for Ukraine, where Russia continues its campaign to assert control over territories it claimed in 2022.
Russia’s foreign ministry has pushed back against suggestions that Moscow harbours ambitions toward Greenland, while carefully avoiding criticism of Trump, who has sought to broker an end to the Ukraine conflict.
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said earlier this week that Greenland, despite its existing U.S. military presence, was not “a natural part” of Denmark.
“They Will Settle It Themselves”
Putin concluded by reiterating that Russia has no intention of intervening in the dispute, expressing confidence that Washington and Copenhagen would reach their own agreement.
“I think they will sort it out between themselves,” he said.