Lavrov Declares Trump's Greenland Bid a 'Deep Crisis' for NATO

Russian Foreign Minister Assesses NATO's Future Amid Greenland Standoff

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov declared on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, that U.S. President Donald Trump's bid to take over Greenland represents a 'deep crisis' for NATO. Speaking at an annual news conference in Moscow, Lavrov questioned the preservation of the alliance as a single military-political bloc, suggesting such actions could lead to a scenario where 'one NATO member is going to attack another NATO member'.

Trump's Persistent Interest in Greenland

President Trump first expressed interest in purchasing Greenland in 2019 during his initial term, characterizing it as 'a large real estate deal' driven by strategic considerations. This overture was met with firm rejection from both the Greenlandic and Danish governments, who unequivocally stated that Greenland was not for sale and deemed the idea 'absurd'. Despite this, during his second term, which began in 2025, Trump has renewed his insistence on U.S. control over Greenland, citing national security imperatives and refusing to dismiss the potential use of military force. In March 2025, Greenland's Prime Minister Múte Bourup Egede reiterated the territory's stance, stating, 'Kalaallit Nunaat is ours.' 'We don't want to be Americans, nor Danes; we are Kalaallit . The Americans and their leader must understand that. We are not for sale and cannot simply be taken.'

Lavrov's Critique of Western Order and Denial of Russian Threats

Lavrov asserted that Trump's actions have undermined the Western concept of a 'rule-based global order,' a framework Russia has frequently criticized. He described Denmark's historical control over Greenland as a 'vestige of the colonial past,' adding that 'Greenland isn't a natural part of Denmark.' The Russian Foreign Minister also strongly refuted suggestions from Trump that Russia and China harbor intentions to threaten the Arctic island. Lavrov stated, 'We have no relation to that' and 'We don't have any involvement whatsoever in plans to seize Greenland,' emphasizing that Washington is fully aware of Moscow's lack of such plans.

Escalating Tensions and NATO's Response

The ongoing 'Greenland crisis' has triggered significant confrontation between the United States and Denmark, with Denmark receiving support from the European Union and several other NATO members. Greenland, while not an independent member, is covered by Denmark's NATO membership, and a 1951 defense agreement permits the U.S. to establish military installations there. In response to the escalating situation, Denmark and eight NATO allies have deployed military reinforcements to Greenland as part of 'Operation Arctic Endurance.' Concurrently, President Trump has threatened to impose tariffs against EU and NATO members who do not support his proposed annexation of Greenland, further straining international relations.