In his speech yesterday, former US President Donald Trump, who has returned to office, stated that he considers it “absolutely necessary” to establish control over Greenland. This statement provoked a strong reaction in Denmark and Europe, as similar ideas have been discussed in American politics before. However, this time the situation seems more tense, especially against the backdrop of parallels between US ambitions regarding Greenland and Russia’s actions regarding Ukraine.
How it started
Greenland is not only the largest island on the planet but also a strategically important region that provides access to the riches of the Arctic. Since being colonized by Denmark in 1814, this region has remained a key link to European interests in the North Atlantic. Although geographically part of North America, Greenland has maintained close ties with Europe for over a thousand years.
Approximately 80% of the island’s territory is covered by glaciers, which are gradually melting due to global warming. This opens up new opportunities for the extraction of natural resources such as oil, gas, and rare metals. It is these riches that make Greenland an object of interest for world powers, especially the US.
As far back as 1946, President Harry Truman offered Denmark $100 million to purchase the island, but was refused. In 2019, Trump revived this idea by suggesting the possibility of buying Greenland, but once again his proposal was categorically rejected by the governments of Denmark and Greenland.
Current situation: autonomy and geopolitical pressure
Greenland has the status of an autonomous constituent country within the Kingdom of Denmark. According to the 2008 referendum, the island gained significant independence in internal affairs, leaving only foreign policy and defense under Denmark’s control. At the same time, the question of full independence remains open, where American interests intersect with the island’s aspirations.
In his statement, Trump noted that Greenland could receive significant economic support from the United States if it became their territory. However, the Danish government sees such ambitions as a threat to its integrity.
Parallels between Greenland and Ukraine
The events surrounding Greenland resemble another example of territorial struggle — the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Like Greenland is to Denmark, Ukraine is an important part of Russia’s history and culture, although both countries have long chosen different geopolitical paths.
Russian aggression against Ukraine began with the annexation of Crimea in 2014, when Russia attempted to shift the power balance in the Black Sea. Similarly, the U.S.’s attempt to strengthen its influence in Greenland could be perceived by Europe as a challenge to its strategic interests in the Arctic.
Global Consequences and Challenges
The confrontation over Greenland, like the conflict in Ukraine, underscores that issues of sovereignty and territorial integrity remain key in the modern world. And while the methods of the U.S. and Russia differ, the ultimate goal of both states is the same — expanding their influence.
For Greenland, this is an opportunity to strengthen its autonomy, and perhaps even become an independent state. However, any step in this direction could lead to an escalation of international conflicts, with the main players being the U.S., Europe, and China.
Conclusion: Between Autonomy and Global Power
The situation with Greenland shows how crucial the balance between regional interests and global geopolitics is. The history of Ukraine, which resists Russian aggression, reminds us that sovereignty is not just a right, but also a constant struggle. Greenland, in turn, has the potential to become an example of how a small region can impact major geopolitical processes.
