Russia's Unexpected Praise for Trump Amid Greenland Controversy

Mon Jan 19 2026 20:55:22 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

With tensions rising over Greenland and U.S. claims to the territory, Russia has surprisingly praised President Trump while criticizing European leaders. What does this mean for geopolitics and U.S.-European relations?

Recent remarks from President Trump regarding Greenland’s importance have been met with a curious reaction from Russia. Instead of outrage, Russian state media have praised Trump’s ambitions, suggesting that an annexation of Greenland would assert U.S. greatness. This perspective underscores a shift in the geopolitical landscape, threatening European alliances as Russia benefits from any disunity within the West.

Listen to Donald Trump and you would think Moscow and Beijing were lying in wait off the coast of Greenland, ready to pounce to boost their power in the Arctic.

There are Russian destroyers, there are Chinese destroyers and, bigger, there are Russian submarines all over the place, President Trump said recently.

That is why, according to America's president, US control of Greenland is essential.

So how do you think Moscow has reacted to its alleged plot being uncovered and potentially thwarted by a US takeover of Greenland?

The Russians can't be pleased. Right?

Wrong.

In an astonishing article, the Russian government paper is full of praise for Trump and critical of European leaders who oppose a US annexation of Greenland.

Standing in the way of the US president's historic breakthrough is the stubbornness of Copenhagen and the mock solidarity of intransigent European countries, including so-called friends of America, Britain and France, writes Rossiyskaya Gazeta.

Europe does not need the American greatness that Trump is promoting. Brussels is counting on 'drowning' the US president in the midterm congressional elections, on preventing him from concluding the greatest deal of his life.

If Trump annexes Greenland by July 4 2026, when America celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, he will go down in history as a figure who asserted the greatness of the United States.

Furthermore, one Russian reporter warns Trump against backing down over Greenland, which could weaken the Republicans in the coming elections.

With Trump’s fixation on Greenland straining transatlantic alliances, Russian outlets are reveling in Europe’s struggles and taking the opportunity to amplify internal divisions.

Gloatingly, Moskovsky Komsomolets noted, Europe is at a total loss and, to be honest, it's a pleasure to watch this, highlighting how any rift within the Western alliance is advantageous for Russia.

Additionally, pro-Kremlin commentators are attempting to parallel U.S. threats over Greenland with justifications for Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine, maintaining that a positive relationship with the Trump administration could bolster their objectives.

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