Putin Smiles at Trump’s Greenland Gambit: Moscow Sees Opportunity as U.S.-Europe Tensions Rise

Moscow: U.S. President Donald Trump’s insistence on Greenland has sent shockwaves across the world, particularly among America’s European allies, who have expressed concern over the audacious plan. While European powers have openly or subtly criticized Trump’s ambitions, Russia is keeping its distance. Vladimir Putin’s silence on the matter is being interpreted as a calculated strategy to weaken Western unity.

Putin Maintains Distance
In a recent National Security Council meeting, President Putin stated, “Greenland is of no concern to us. Denmark has historically treated Greenland like a colony—strictly if not cruelly. This is entirely a separate issue, and I believe they will resolve it among themselves.”

Putin expressed sympathy for the Arctic island’s residents while remaining neutral toward Trump’s assertive moves. This is notable because Trump has cited potential Russian threats as a rationale for U.S. claims on Greenland. Putin also referenced historical precedents, noting that Denmark sold the Virgin Islands to the U.S. in 1917, and Russia itself sold Alaska to the U.S. in 1867 for $7.2 million.

U.S.-Europe Tensions Work in Russia’s Favor
Reports suggest that Putin’s measured stance—neither outright opposing nor fully endorsing Trump—is a strategic move aimed at undermining Western cohesion. By diverting U.S. and European attention to Greenland, Moscow sees an opportunity to weaken NATO and the European Union, while drawing focus away from issues like Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Trump confirmed that Putin has agreed in principle to join his “Board of Peace.” Putin, however, has instructed Russia’s Foreign Ministry to carefully study the proposal, signaling that both Washington and Moscow are maneuvering cautiously to seize potential advantages.