Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov equates Crimea’s importance to Russia with Greenland’s to the US amid Trump’s territorial demands.
Lavrov on Crimea and Russian Security
Donald Trump’s demands regarding Greenland and Denmark emboldened Moscow. On Tuesday, January 20, Russia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs stated that “Crimea is as important for the security of the Russian Federation as Greenland is for the United States.”
Put the residents of Crimea in the place of Greenlanders, and many things would probably become clear for you. Moreover, in Crimea, people held a referendum after an unconstitutional coup, declared war on the Russian language, and sent fighters to storm the Supreme Council of Crimea, while in Greenland, no one carried out any coup – argued Sergey Lavrov, cited by pro-Kremlin TASS agency. And repeated after Trump that “this territory is important for the security of the United States.”
Trump Repeated Tariff Threat
Before flying to the Economic Forum in Davos, the President of the United States repeated that the US must “have Greenland.” Our partners must understand this. They are not capable of protecting Greenland. The Danes are wonderful people. I know the leaders, they are very good people, but they don’t even go there – stated Donald Trump.
And added that NATO has been warning Denmark about Russian threats to Greenland for 20 years. Previously, in an interview with NBC News, Trump announced that he would 100% keep his threat of imposing tariffs on eight European countries that oppose his demand to take control of Greenland. He added that Europe should now focus on Russia’s war with Ukraine.
Debate on Greenland in the European Parliament
For Tuesday, January 20, the European Parliament planned a debate titled: “Sovereignty of Greenland and Denmark – the need for a united EU response to US blackmail attempts.” During Monday’s session, parliamentarians assured solidarity with the island.
Greenland is not for sale. Its sovereignty must be respected – said the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola. She emphasized that the tariffs announced by the US president will not improve security in the Arctic. They could even worsen the situation.
During Tuesday’s debate, appeals for retaliatory action by the EU in response to the US president’s threat can be expected, including resorting to the nuclear option, i.e., striking at American investments, services and companies, including digital giants. This was called for over the weekend by the heads of several factions. They also announced a halt to the ratification of the customs union agreement between the EU and the US.