Russian immigrants join Greenland protest against Trump’s annexation remarks

Thousands of residents and foreign nationals in Greenland, including Russian immigrants, have taken part in the largest protest in the island’s history, demonstrating against remarks by US President Donald Trump suggesting the possible annexation of the territory.

Local Russians, such as members of the Kohler family, who have lived in Greenland since 2003, said that Greenlandic flags sold out across Nuuk on the eve of the march, leaving them to purchase island symbols instead. They described the protest as a powerful display of unity among the capital’s residents in response to external political pressure from the United States, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media.

Protesters were also seen wearing a modified version of the red MAGA baseball cap, altered to display the slogan “Make America Go Away,” reflecting growing anti-American sentiment tied to the annexation rhetoric.

Alena Kochler, a Russian resident of Greenland, said that local people did not identify as American and had no desire to become part of the United States. She added that many Greenlanders were unsettled by Trump’s statements, which she described as unpredictable, and were increasingly anxious about the island’s future. According to her, the prospect of Greenland becoming the 51st US state was viewed as the worst possible outcome.

Kochler also said that Greenlanders had rejected a proposal from Trump offering $100,000 per person in exchange for annexation. She noted that the local population was generally welcoming, but added that while there are officially about 15 Russian-born residents on the island, many choose to relocate to Denmark due to Greenland’s harsh climate.

On January 17, more than 6,000 people marched through the streets of Nuuk under the slogan “Greenland is not for sale,” according to local accounts. The demonstration involved roughly 30 per cent of Greenland’s total population. Many businesses, including shops, restaurants, tour operators and beauty salons, temporarily closed so employees could join the protest.

By Sabina Mammadli