Vance gives Trump’s ‘message’ to US troops in Greenland

(MENAFN) US Vice President J.D. Vance delivered a strong message to American troops stationed at Pituffik Space Base in Greenland on Friday, underscoring the Trump administration’s commitment to expanding its presence on the Arctic island. Vance’s visit followed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s remarks on Moscow's Arctic strategy, where he warned that US annexation plans for Greenland—dating back to the 1860s—should be taken seriously.

Vance conveyed Trump’s gratitude for the service members' work, stressing the importance of their mission to the United States. While he stated that there are no immediate plans to establish new military bases, Vance confirmed that the US would increase investments in military assets, including icebreakers and naval ships, to enhance its presence in Greenland.

The vice president also expressed US support for Greenland's self-determination but suggested that the island would benefit from aligning with the United States, rather than remaining under Danish rule, which he criticized for neglecting Greenland’s security. He reassured that military force would not be necessary, highlighting a future deal to secure the island’s safety in a manner reflective of Trump's negotiating style.

Vance justified the administration’s more assertive stance by pointing to increasing Russian and Chinese activities in the Arctic, describing the region as a critical geopolitical hotspot. He emphasized the strategic importance of Greenland, particularly its role in US missile early warning systems, which provide a defense against potential missile threats.

In response to US actions, Putin remarked that Russia has never posed a threat in the Arctic and advocated for joint economic cooperation in the region. He also expressed concerns about NATO's growing military activities in the Far North, noting Russia's ongoing efforts to modernize its Arctic military infrastructure.

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