Moscow: Russia’s former president Dmitry Medvedev has dismissed western claims that Russia or China pose a threat to Greenland, calling such warnings false and exaggerated.
Medvedev, who is now deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, said western countries were spreading fear stories to justify their own political and military actions in the Arctic region. He argued that Moscow and Beijing have no aggressive plans toward Greenland and that these claims are being used to increase pressure inside NATO.
Greenland, which is an autonomous territory of Denmark, has recently drawn global attention because of its strategic location and rich natural resources. As melting ice opens new shipping routes in the Arctic, interest in the region has grown among major powers.
Western governments have expressed concern about Russia’s expanding military presence in the Arctic and China’s economic activities linked to mining and shipping. They say these moves could affect the security balance in the region.
Greenland’s own leaders have said more surveillance and security are needed because of rising geopolitical tension, even though there is no direct threat at present. Denmark and the United States have also held talks with Greenland to calm diplomatic tensions and discuss long term security cooperation.
Analysts say the dispute is part of a wider struggle for influence in the Arctic. The area is becoming more important due to climate change, new sea routes and access to minerals such as rare earths.
Russia’s position remains that western fears are overstated. Western officials, however, continue to watch developments closely, saying the Arctic’s future will shape global trade and security in the years ahead.
For now, there is no clear evidence of an immediate military threat to Greenland, but competition among world powers in the Arctic is steadily increasing.