Russia’s actions push US to step up Arctic protection
Mike Waltz (Photo: Getty Images)
Russia has forced Washington to take Arctic defense into its own hands amid growing military threats in the region, states US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz in comments to Fox News.
Nuclear missiles and the Arctic threat
According to Waltz, Russia is modernizing its nuclear program, including cruise missiles powered by nuclear propulsion that are currently being tested for their ability to evade US radar systems.
He noted that in the event of an attack on the US, such missiles would fly over the Arctic, and that President Donald Trump has no intention of waiting until the threat reaches the country’s immediate borders.
"Iron Dome" and icebreakers
Waltz said that in response, the US is deploying its own missile defense system, which he described as an Iron Dome.
He also drew attention to shipping in the region, noting that Russia has around 60 icebreakers, while China is actively building up its own icebreaker fleet.
At the same time, according to the diplomat, President Trump, working together with Finland, has instructed officials to develop a plan to deploy around a dozen US icebreakers in the Arctic.
Russian bases in the Arctic
Mike Waltz also stressed that dozens of Russian military bases are located in the Arctic, while the US has only one base in the region.
He said Washington needs to strengthen its ability to defend this strategically critical region amid Russia’s growing military activity.
Trump and Greenland
After the conclusion of the special operation in Venezuela, Donald Trump returned to the idea of incorporating Greenland into the US. He frames his position in terms of national security, claiming the island is effectively surrounded by Russian and Chinese submarines.
Despite the proposal having previously been rejected by Denmark and Greenland’s authorities, Trump continues to apply pressure. He has shifted from rhetoric about a possible military scenario to economic leverage, including threats to impose tariffs on European countries that oppose US control over the island.
The most controversial move has been a financial initiative targeting Greenland’s population. According to the Daily Mail, Trump is considering paying each of the island’s 57,000 residents $1 million (about €850,000) as an incentive to support joining the US in a potential referendum.
