Putin says US push for Greenland rooted in history, vows to uphold Russian interest in the Arctic

[Libloom]

5. Justifying his ambitions

Putin’s comments on Trump’s interest in Greenland could be seen as a calculated move to normalize territorial expansion in the Arctic, a region where Russia has long been asserting its influence. By framing U.S. ambitions as "not surprising" he sets a precedent that can be used to justify Russia’s own actions, whether through resource development, military expansion, or territorial claims. If the U.S. or its allies were to object to Russian moves in the Arctic after Trump expressed similar ambitions, Putin could call out the hypocrisy, reinforcing his narrative that Western powers apply double standards.

Beyond this, Putin’s remarks may also serve to test Western unity. Greenland is under Danish sovereignty, and any serious U.S. push to control it would create friction with Denmark and other NATO allies. By subtly endorsing the idea, Putin sows discord among Western nations while positioning Russia as a pragmatic Arctic power open to cooperation—on its own terms. Whether the U.S. seriously pursues Greenland or not, Putin’s framing helps Russia justify its own Arctic ambitions while subtly challenging the West’s moral authority