Rosenberg: Putin nods to Trump plans to seize Greenland

In the chilly Arctic region, President Vladimir Putin of Russia made a significant statement about Russia's role in the Arctic during his visit to Murmansk, the largest city north of the Arctic Circle. Dressed in a dark long coat, Putin walked alongside naval officers, emphasizing the importance of Russia's leadership in this strategic area. He pointed out that competition in the Arctic is growing, particularly with the United States. One of the key points he raised was President Donald Trump's proposal to acquire Greenland, a large island that is part of Denmark. Interestingly, Putin refrained from criticizing Trump, which is noteworthy given the current efforts by both nations to mend their relationship. He stated, 'America's plans regarding Greenland are serious,' and acknowledged that these plans have deep historical roots. Putin also made it clear that the U. S. will continue to pursue its geopolitical, military, and economic interests in the Arctic. However, he emphasized that the matter of Greenland is solely between Denmark and the U. S. , indicating that Russia has no stake in it. This is particularly striking considering Putin's own actions in Ukraine, where he has claimed control over significant territories. During Joe Biden's presidency, the rhetoric between Moscow and Washington was filled with criticism, but the tone seems to be shifting now. The question of whether Greenland could ever be sold to the U. S. has sparked curiosity. Trump has expressed a desire to take over Greenland, but many believe it is unlikely to happen. Nevertheless, if such a deal were to occur, it would have far-reaching implications. Currently, Russia is advocating for economic cooperation with the U. S. in the Arctic, which is rich in natural resources. Kirill Dmitriev, an envoy for foreign investment and economic cooperation, stated that Russia is open to exploring joint investment opportunities with the U. S. in various sectors approved by the Russian government. He has already engaged in discussions with U. S. officials about potential collaborations. Dmitriev highlighted that investment cooperation in the Arctic could be beneficial for both nations, particularly in logistics and other areas. However, he also noted that any agreements would require the resolution of the ongoing war in Ukraine. Some Western observers have accused Russia of being inflexible and unwilling to compromise, but Dmitriev maintains a focus on economic matters rather than political disputes. He believes that fostering a good dialogue is essential for mutual understanding. Russia appears to be optimistic about attracting U. S. interest through promises of lucrative deals in the Arctic. This optimism is bolstered by the fact that some senior U. S. officials have begun to echo Russian perspectives on the Ukraine conflict. For instance, Donald Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, seemed to accept the legitimacy of referenda organized by Russia in occupied Ukrainian territories, which have not been recognized by the international community. This shift in dialogue suggests that U. S. and Russian officials are starting to find common ground. When asked about the surprising change in America's approach to Russia, Nikolai Patrushev, a prominent figure in Russia's security services, explained that the U. S. has two political parties with differing views. He noted that the Democrats and Republicans have historically held contrasting opinions on Russia, but this does not preclude the possibility of cooperation. Patrushev also remarked on the evolving global landscape, stating, 'We used to have a system where two powers dominated in the world. Then it was just one. Now we're building a multi-polar world. ' In the heart of Murmansk, a giant inflatable whale has become a focal point of interest, drawing families who are eager to take photos with the whimsical installation. This artwork symbolizes Russia's ambitious aspirations for the Arctic and its relationship with the United States. I took the opportunity to ask locals about their views on economic cooperation with the U. S. in the Arctic. One woman named Elina expressed her belief in Russia's strength, saying, 'You should always back the strong ones. ' Another local, Olga, emphasized the importance of developing the Arctic and stated, 'Cooperation with friendly countries is a good thing. ' When I inquired whether she considers America a friendly country, she admitted uncertainty. Meanwhile, Dmitriev expressed admiration for Elon Musk, the renowned American entrepreneur, and expressed hope for collaboration with him. He stated, 'We believe Elon Musk is a great visionary and a very successful person. ' Dmitriev highlighted that Russia has valuable resources to contribute to a potential mission to Mars, including advanced nuclear technologies. He expressed optimism about future video conferences with Musk's team, indicating a desire for collaboration that extends beyond the Arctic.