Russia Says It Will Take 'Adequate Counter-Measures' If Greenland Is Militarised

Last Updated:February 11, 2026, 17:04 IST

Lavrov warns Moscow will take military countermeasures if Western troops increase in Greenland amid US annexation talks.

Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said on Wednesday that Moscow will take military “countermeasures" if the West boosts its own military footprint on Greenland.

In recent weeks, several European countries have sent small contingents of troops to Greenland after US President Donald Trump repeatedly expressed his intention to annex the Arctic island.

“Of course, in the event of the militarisation of Greenland and the creation of military capabilities aimed at Russia, we will take adequate counter-measures, including military-technical ones," Lavrov said in a speech to Russian lawmakers.

“The US, Denmark and Greenland must sort this out themselves," he said.

He also accused Denmark of treating Greenlanders as “second-class citizens."

Greenland has drawn heightened international attention after Trump announced in January that the United States would impose new tariffs on Denmark and several other European countries opposing his calls for US control of the mineral-rich island. He later dropped the threats, saying a “framework" for a deal on access to Greenland’s resources had been reached with the help of NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, though few details have been made public.

Also Read: Canada, France To Open Consulates In Greenland In Solidarity With Denmark Amid US Pressure

Earlier this month, Canada’s Foreign Minister Anita Anand travelled to Nuuk to formally inaugurate Canada’s consulate, accompanied by Governor General Mary Simon. Canadian officials said the mission would help deepen cooperation with Greenland on issues such as climate change, Arctic security, and Inuit rights.

France will simultaneously establish its own diplomatic presence, becoming the first European Union country to open a consulate general in Greenland. The French Foreign Ministry said Jean-Noël Poirier would assume duties as Consul General, with a mandate to expand cooperation with Greenland in cultural, scientific, and economic fields, while strengthening political ties with local authorities.

Canada had announced plans to open a consulate in Greenland in 2024, well before recent remarks by US President Donald Trump about a possible takeover of the island. The formal opening was initially scheduled for November but was postponed due to severe weather conditions.

News world Russia Says It Will Take 'Adequate Counter-Measures' If Greenland Is Militarised

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