Greenland in US focus: What stands behind Washington statements
US flag (photo: Getty Images)
In Washington, officials explained why the Greenland issue is viewed as part of a long-term US national security strategy, linking it to developments in Europe, the Arctic, and the war in Ukraine, NBC reports.
The US Department of the Treasury stated that Washington's interest in Greenland is driven by strategic considerations and a weakening of Europe's role in matters of collective security.
According to the US side, the United States is forced to assume a leading role because its European allies do not demonstrate sufficient readiness to defend critical regions.
It is noted that the idea of purchasing or establishing control over Greenland is not new and has been discussed by US administrations for more than a hundred years. The island is viewed as an important element of US national security, particularly in the context of deploying the missile defense system known as the Golden Dome.
Arctic as a factor in future conflicts
In Washington, officials believe the Arctic will become a geopolitical arena in the future and that competition for influence in the region is inevitable. The US administration assumes that preventive measures, including strengthening its presence in Greenland, can help avert larger-scale conflicts in the future. This approach is described in the United States as an implementation of the principle of "peace through strength."
Criticism of Europe and parallels with the war in Ukraine
Separately, criticism was voiced against European countries for what was described as a short-sighted policy toward Russia.
The United States recalled that it had previously warned allies about the risks of energy dependence on Moscow, which ultimately led to indirect financing of Russian aggression against Ukraine.
NATO and possible scenarios
The US side did not give a direct answer to questions about the permissibility of a force-based scenario regarding Greenland, but expressed confidence that European partners would eventually recognize the expediency of transferring the island under US control.
Washington also emphasized that the United States remains in NATO but does not intend to compensate for its allies' passivity. It is noted that since 1980, US defense spending has exceeded European figures by $22 trillion.
US President Donald Trump insists on transferring Greenland under US administration to deploy elements of the Golden Dome missile defense system, warning that without prompt action by NATO, the strategically important island could fall under the influence of Russia or China.
In Greenland's capital, Nuuk, a noticeable increase in sales of survival goods and long-shelf-life food products has been recorded, as local residents, amid statements from the United States, express concern about a possible external threat to the island.
