Putin slams Denmark's colonial treatment of Greenland, distances Russia from row

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that Denmark has historically treated Greenland as a colony.

He made the remarks during a meeting with the permanent members of Russia’s Security Council, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

“Denmark has always treated Greenland like a colony, and treated it quite harshly, if not to say cruelly.”

Putin explicitly distanced Russia from the controversy between U.S. and Denmark over Greenland: “What happens to Greenland is none of our business” and “It certainly doesn't concern us. I think they'll sort it out among themselves.” 

The recent Greenland dispute flared up in early January 2026 when U.S. President Donald Trump revived and escalated his push to bring the Arctic island under American control. Trump announced on January 5 that the U.S. needed to establish control over Greenland for national security reasons, citing its strategic location, vast rare earth mineral resources critical for defence and technology, existing U.S. military facilities like Pituffik Space Base, and the need to counter potential Russian or Chinese influence as climate change opens new Arctic routes and opportunities.

Denmark and Greenland have firmly rejected the idea that the island could be “sold” or otherwise transferred to U.S. ownership. Copenhagen insists that Greenland’s sovereignty and future are matters for the Kingdom of Denmark and the people of Greenland themselves. Greenlandic leaders have emphasised that the island is not for sale and that decisions about its status must respect both its autonomy and the wishes of its residents.

By Khagan Isayev