Putin speaks in a Kremlin interview with Rossiya Segodnya's Dmitry Kiselyov on March 12, 2024. (Photo: Gavriil Grigorov/AFP)
Moscow, Russia, EPICSTORIAN – Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a strong warning about a potential Arctic War, accusing the United States of advancing “serious plans” to annex Greenland.
Speaking at an Arctic forum in Murmansk, Putin claimed that American ambitions for the Danish territory date back to the 19th century.
> “We are talking about serious plans on the American side with regard to Greenland. These plans have long-standing historical roots,” Putin stated, highlighting the geopolitical tensions that could spark an Arctic War.
His remarks come ahead of US Vice President JD Vance’s visit to Greenland, fueling speculation about Washington’s strategic interests in the mineral-rich region.
US Military Presence Escalates Arctic War Concerns
Putin suggested that the Trump administration is actively seeking control over Greenland. He also hinted at previous US efforts to annex Iceland.
> “In fact, the United States had such plans back in the 1860s,” Putin said. “Even then, the American administration was considering annexing Greenland and Iceland. But Congress did not support the idea.”
At the forum, Putin pledged to increase Russia’s military presence in the Arctic while also promoting economic development. He emphasized plans to expand tourism and exploit the region’s vast natural resources.
Meanwhile, Vice President Vance, who is set to arrive in Greenland on Friday, has questioned whether Copenhagen is providing enough defense support to the self-governing Danish territory.
In a recent video statement, he reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to Greenland’s security.
“Speaking for President Trump, we want to reinvigorate the security of the people of Greenland because we think it’s important to protecting the security of the entire world,” Vance stated.
He also criticized past US and Danish leaders, arguing that their lack of attention to Greenland has weakened global security.
“Unfortunately, leaders in both America and Denmark ignored Greenland for far too long,” Vance added.
Russia Expands Military Operations Amid Arctic War Tensions
As the US strengthens its foothold in Greenland, Putin has made it clear that Russia is monitoring NATO’s activities in the Arctic. He warned that Western nations are turning the Far North into a potential war zone.
“It is obvious that the role and importance of the Arctic both for Russia and for the whole world is growing. But unfortunately, geopolitical competition, the struggle for positions in this region, is also intensifying,” Putin stated.
Russia has reopened Soviet-era bases and modernized its navy, significantly expanding its military operations in the Arctic. Analysts say Moscow’s rapid buildup has outpaced the West, raising concerns about a possible Arctic War.
Strategic Importance of the Arctic War Zone
The Arctic is a resource-rich battleground, home to vast reserves of fossil fuels and minerals. As climate change makes the region more accessible, global powers are racing to control its resources and strategic shipping routes.
Putin outlined Russia’s plans to develop northern ports and expand its merchant fleet, including new nuclear-powered icebreakers. However, he acknowledged that foreign investment is necessary for these projects to succeed.
“Foreign partners prepared to cooperate with Russia in the region would be guaranteed a good investment return,” Putin said, inviting international collaboration despite rising tensions.
With the US increasing its focus on Greenland and Russia reinforcing its Arctic presence, the region has become a flashpoint for global competition.
The coming days will determine whether diplomatic talks can reduce tensions—or whether military escalations will push the world closer to an Arctic War.
