The Kremlin is closely monitoring the situation in connection with US President-elect Donald Trump’s claims that Greenland should become part of the United States. This was stated by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Thursday, writes TASR according to a report by the AFP agency.
Trump caused a stir on Tuesday when he did not rule out military pressure to acquire the Panama Canal and Greenland, which has been part of Denmark for 600 years, at a press conference when asked by reporters. According to AFP, the future US president has previously speculated about imposing tariffs on Denmark if it refuses to cede its autonomous territory.
“We are closely following this dramatic development of the situation, which, thank God, is still only at the level of statements,” said Peskov.
“We are interested in preserving peace and stability in this area and are ready to cooperate with all parties in the interests of peace and stability,” the Kremlin spokesman continued.
Peskov also suggested that Greenlanders should be discussed about what they want and pointed to Russia’s annexation of four Ukrainian regions in 2022 based on referendums, writes AFP. “We should show the same respect for the opinion of the people there,” he added.
Greenland is the largest island in the world. As part of the Kingdom of Denmark, in 2009 it gained autonomy and independence in deciding matters of domestic politics. The island has about 56,000 inhabitants and rich deposits of mineral resources, including oil, gas and rare earth minerals.
Surprise of the allies
The Reuters agency noted that Denmark is trying to downplay the seriousness of Trump’s statement, but Trump’s openly expressed ambition to expand the US territory has surprised European allies.
Trump on Tuesday also did not rule out military pressure to acquire the Panama Canal, which the US handed over to Panama gradually since the administration of the recently deceased President Jimmy Carter and completed after two decades in 1999.
At Tuesday’s press conference, Trump also commented on the possible accession of Canada, which, according to himself, he would like to achieve not by military force, but by economic force.
