Russia threatens military countermeasures if the West boosts its military presence in Greenland, escalating Arctic tensions.
MOSCOW: Russia has threatened to take military “countermeasures” if the West increases its military footprint on Greenland.
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (pic) issued the warning to Russian lawmakers, stating that any militarisation of the island aimed at Russia would provoke a response.
“Of course, in the event of the militarisation of Greenland and the creation of military capabilities aimed at Russia, we will take adequate counter-measures, including military-technical ones,” Lavrov said.
The threat follows recent deployments of small troop contingents to Greenland by several European countries.
These moves came after former US President Donald Trump repeatedly stated his desire to annex the Arctic island.
Trump last month backed off his threats to seize Greenland, citing a new “framework” deal with NATO chief Mark Rutte.
He had previously argued that if the United States did not seize Greenland, Russia or China could.
Lavrov stated that the territorial dispute is a matter for the involved parties to resolve.
“The US, Denmark and Greenland must sort this out themselves,” he said.
He also accused Denmark of treating the island’s 57,000 inhabitants as “second-class citizens.”
Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory, has stated its sovereignty is a non-negotiable “red line” in any discussions with Washington.