Kazakh president suggests leasing as alternative to Greenland takeover

In an interview with the Pakistani newspaper The News International, Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev commented on possible future scenarios for Greenland.

A journalist asked whether the Kazakh leader considered a scenario involving the military occupation of Greenland possible, to which Tokayev offered an alternative option, Caliber.Az reports, citing the interview.

“I would approach this question somewhat differently. There are many comparable cases in international practice in which countries enter into long-term lease arrangements for specific territories or strategic infrastructure, often for shared, mutually beneficial objectives,” Tokayev replied.

He emphasised that any decisions of this kind must be considered strictly within the framework of international law, which requires respect for state sovereignty and the principles enshrined in the UN Charter.

“As a practical option, it is suggested that the US and Denmark consider a 120-year leasing arrangement for Greenland. Under this arrangement, Greenland would legally remain part of Denmark, meaning Denmark’s sovereignty would not be violated or broken, while practical arrangements could serve shared strategic interests,” the president said.

Tokayev expressed hope that, based on dialogue, responsible policies, and respect for international law, the parties would ultimately reach a pragmatic and mutually acceptable solution.

After returning to office in 2025, President Trump reiterated that the U.S. should control Greenland on national security grounds, framing it as essential to counter perceived Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic. Trump even appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as an informal “special envoy to Greenland” to advance this objective.

Trump publicly stated that the U.S. wants Greenland — even “one way or another” — and promised a framework “deal” that he said would be “amazing” for the U.S. Such rhetoric has included insistence on strong American control rather than diplomatic nuance.

Danish and Greenlandic leaders have strongly opposed Trump’s proposals. Greenland’s prime minister has repeatedly stated that “Greenland is ours,” and that the territory is not for sale, underscoring the right to self‑determination for its people. Denmark likewise insists on respecting its sovereignty and Greenland’s autonomous status.

Widespread protests erupted in early 2026 in Denmark and in Greenland under slogans like “Greenland is not for sale,” reflecting public anger at what demonstrators saw as U.S. expansionism. These protests represented some of the largest public demonstrations in Greenland’s history.

In January 2026, Trump announced tariffs on several European countries tied to disputes over Arctic military cooperation and control of Greenland. These tariffs were condemned by European leaders and some U.S. lawmakers who saw the move as coercive and damaging to alliances.

By Khagan Isayev