INTERNATIONAL
Russia's Lavrov says Greenland is not a 'natural part' of Denmark
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov speaks during his annual press conference in Moscow, Russia January 20, 2026. - REUTERS
MOSCOW: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Tuesday that Greenland was not "a natural part" of Denmark and that the problem of former colonial territories was becoming more acute.
AI Brief
U.S. President Donald Trump has said he wants full U.S. control of Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, for national security reasons. On Saturday he announced tariffs on imports from European allies that oppose a potential U.S. takeover.
Russia has reacted gleefully to the growing U.S.-Europe divide over Greenland, but has bristled at Trump's suggestion that Moscow is also seeking control over the island.
Speaking at a news conference in Moscow on Tuesday, Lavrov said Russia had no interest in interfering in Greenland's affairs and that Washington knew that Moscow itself had no plans to take control of the island.
"In principle, Greenland is not a natural part of Denmark, is it?" Lavrov said.
"It was neither a natural part of Norway nor a natural part of Denmark. It is a colonial conquest. The fact that the inhabitants are now accustomed to it and feel comfortable is another matter."
European countries have said Trump's tariffs announcement would violate a trade deal reached with his administration last year. EU leaders are set to discuss possible retaliation at an emergency summit in Brussels on Thursday.
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AI Brief
- Trump says the US should fully control Greenland and announces tariffs on European allies opposing the idea.
- Russia mocks the US-Europe rift but denies pursuing any claim over Greenland, calling it a colonial territory.
- EU leaders say the tariffs violate past agreements and will discuss retaliation at an emergency summit.
U.S. President Donald Trump has said he wants full U.S. control of Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, for national security reasons. On Saturday he announced tariffs on imports from European allies that oppose a potential U.S. takeover.
Russia has reacted gleefully to the growing U.S.-Europe divide over Greenland, but has bristled at Trump's suggestion that Moscow is also seeking control over the island.
Speaking at a news conference in Moscow on Tuesday, Lavrov said Russia had no interest in interfering in Greenland's affairs and that Washington knew that Moscow itself had no plans to take control of the island.
"In principle, Greenland is not a natural part of Denmark, is it?" Lavrov said.
"It was neither a natural part of Norway nor a natural part of Denmark. It is a colonial conquest. The fact that the inhabitants are now accustomed to it and feel comfortable is another matter."
European countries have said Trump's tariffs announcement would violate a trade deal reached with his administration last year. EU leaders are set to discuss possible retaliation at an emergency summit in Brussels on Thursday.
Your gateway to global news, insights, and stories that matter.