‘None of our business’: Putin distances Russia from Trump’s Greenland push

Putin dismissed concerns over Trump’s Greenland ambitions, saying the issue should be resolved by the US and Denmark

January 22, 2026

As Trump renews interest in Greenland, Putin says Russia is not involved and Greenland urges citizens to prepare for crises

Putin stays out of Greenland row

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday distanced Moscow from the growing controversy surrounding US President Donald Trump’s renewed push to acquire Greenland, saying the matter does not concern Russia and should be resolved by the countries directly involved.

Speaking during a televised meeting of Russia’s Security Council, Putin said Greenland’s future was “none of our business,” even as Trump’s remarks have strained relations between Washington, Denmark, and other NATO allies.

“What happens to Greenland is none of our business,” Putin said, adding that Denmark had historically treated Greenland as a colony. “But that’s a different matter entirely, and I doubt anyone is interested in it right now. It certainly doesn’t concern us. I think they’ll sort it out among themselves.”

Putin also pointed to historical precedents, recalling that Denmark sold the Virgin Islands to the United States in 1917, and that Russia itself sold Alaska to the US in 1867 for $7.2 million.

Trump doubles down on Greenland interest

Trump, speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, reiterated that the United States “needs” Greenland for national security reasons, though he said he would not use military force to acquire the Danish territory.

“I want to get Greenland — including right, title, and ownership,” Trump said, while insisting he had no intention of using force. He nevertheless claimed the US would be “unstoppable” if it chose to do so.

The US president also mocked European allies, saying NATO should not stand in the way of American expansionism and arguing that Washington had done far more for Europe historically than it was now asking in return.

Greenland urges citizens to prepare

Amid the escalating rhetoric, Greenland’s government has urged citizens to prepare for potential crises. Authorities released a preparedness handbook advising residents to stock enough food, water, fuel, and essential supplies to last at least five days.

Residents in the capital Nuuk said they were taking the advice seriously, even while viewing Trump’s comments as threats rather than imminent action. “It’s better to be ready than not ready,” said local resident Tony Jakobsen.

For all the latest updates, download PGurus App.