Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow would respond with “appropriate countermeasures, including military-technical ones,” if Greenland is militarised in a way that threatens Russia. His remarks highlight growing strategic tensions in the Arctic, where global powers are expanding their security and economic interests.
Speaking on Wednesday, Lavrov warned that any move to transform Greenland into a military platform directed against Russia would trigger a response. He did not specify what measures Moscow might take but said Russia would act to protect its national security.
Why Greenland matters
Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, has gained increasing geopolitical importance as Arctic ice melt opens new shipping lanes and access to untapped natural resources.
The United States operates the Pituffik Space Base in northwest Greenland and has signalled interest in upgrading Arctic infrastructure. NATO members have also increased military exercises in the broader Arctic region in recent years.
Russia’s Arctic posture
Russia maintains a substantial military and logistical presence across its Arctic territory, including bases, air defence systems and a large fleet of icebreakers. Moscow considers the region vital for national defence, trade routes and energy development.
Lavrov’s statement reflects Moscow’s concern over what it sees as expanding Western defence activity near its northern frontier.
International response
There was no immediate public response from Denmark, Greenlandic authorities or NATO officials following Lavrov’s remarks.
The Arctic has increasingly emerged as an area of strategic competition, with security, climate change and economic access shaping diplomatic and military policy among major powers.
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