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Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov speaks during his annual press conference in Moscow, Russia on January 20, 2026.
| Photo Credit: Reuters
Greenland is not “a natural part” of Denmark, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed on Tuesday (January 20, 2026), wading into the fraught geopolitical debate.
Speaking during his annual press conference in Moscow, the Foreign Minister said that Russia is monitoring the “serious geopolitical situation” and added, “The problem of former colonial territories is becoming more acute.” The Russian Foreign Minister said that Denmark formally incorporated the territory in 1953.
Mr. Lavrov’s comment comes amid heightened tensions over the territory after U.S. President Donald Trump revealed plans to annex it.
The U.S. President stated that Washington needs Greenland as part of its “national security” and to fend off any “Russian threat” to it.
Mr Lavrov stated that Moscow does not have a plan to seize the vast autonomous region and is not interested in interfering in the affairs of the North Atlantic territory.
On Saturday (January 17, 2026), the U.S. announced import tariffs on European allies opposed to the potential takeover.
European Union leaders on Saturday (January 17) warned of a “dangerous downward spiral” over U.S. President Donald Trump’s vow to implement increasing tariffs on European allies until the U.S. is allowed to buy Greenland.
“Tariffs would undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral. Europe will remain united, coordinated, and committed to upholding its sovereignty,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU Council President Antonio Costa said in posts on X.
New target of U.S.
Meanwhile, a startled British government on Tuesday defended its decision to hand sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, after US President Donald Trump attacked the plan, which his administration had previously supported.
Mr. Trump said that relinquishing the remote Indian Ocean archipelago, home to a strategically important American naval and bomber base, was an act of stupidity that shows why he needs to take over Greenland.
“Shockingly, our brilliant’ NATO Ally, the United Kingdom, is currently planning to give away the Island of Diego Garcia, the site of a vital US Military Base, to Mauritius, and to do so FOR NO REASON WHATSOEVER,” he said in a post on his social media platform Truth Social. “There is no doubt that China and Russia have noticed this act of total weakness.” “The UK giving away extremely important land is an act of GREAT STUPIDITY, and is another in a very long line of National Security reasons why Greenland has to be acquired,” Trump said.
(With inputs from agencies)
Published – January 20, 2026 04:47 pm IST
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Greenland not ‘a natural part’ of Denmark, says Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov
