President Putin of Russia recently gave a speech to the 6th International Arctic Forum. It was a big picture talk touching many issues. Putin also mentioned U.S. attempts to acquire, by whatever means, Greenland.
It is not astonishing that several 'western' media picked up on this. But what is astonishing is how the headlines divert from each other. It is like two different speeches were held, listened to and reported on.
On one side there are claims that Putin is somewhat endorsing or supporting Donald Trump's attempts to steal Greenland from Denmark:
- Putin’s endorsement of Trump’s Greenland takeover reflects their vision of a new world order – The Guardian, Mar 28 2025
- Why is Vladimir Putin Encouraging Donald Trump’s Greenland Ambitions? – National Interest, Mar 28 2025
- As Vance heads for Greenland, Trump's land-grab hopes get Putin thumbs-up – NBCnews, Mar 28 2025
Other outlets present a very different view:
- Putin threatens Trump’s plan to take Greenland – Metro, Mar 28 2025
- Putin sends US chilly warning on Greenland push – New Daily, Mar 28 2025
- Putin warns of Arctic war if US takes Greenland as Britain and France to send 'reassurance force' to Ukraine – LBC, Mar 28 2025
Reading Putin's speech I find little in support of the claims the first group of headlines are making.
There is no endorsement stealing Greenland in it – none. Just a minder that this is not the first time a U.S. president tries to get Greenland. This while warning of potential reactions:
Meanwhile, the role and importance of the Arctic for Russia and for the entire world are obviously growing. Regrettably, the geopolitical competition and fighting for positions in this region are also escalating.
Suffice it to say about the plans of the United States to annex Greenland, as everyone is aware. But you know, it can surprise someone only at first glance. It is a profound mistake to treat it as some preposterous talk by the new US administration. Nothing of the sort.
In fact, the United States had such plans as far back as 1860s. As early as that, the US administration was considering possible annexation of Greenland and Iceland
…
In short, the United States has serious plans regarding Greenland. These plans have long historical roots, as I have just mentioned, and it is obvious that the United States will continue to consistently advance its geo-strategic, military-political and economic interests in the Arctic.
Russia, Putin says, will have to react to this:
As to Greenland, this is an issue that concerns two specific nations and has nothing to do with us. But at the same time, of course, we are concerned about the fact that NATO countries are increasingly often designating the Far North as a springboard for possible conflicts and are practicing the use of troops in these conditions, including by their “new recruits” – Finland and Sweden, with whom, incidentally, until recently we had no problems at all. They are creating problems with their own hands for some reason. Why? It is impossible to understand. But nevertheless, we will proceed from current realities and will respond to all this.
I must emphasise: Russia has never threatened anyone in the Arctic. However, we are closely monitoring developments in the region, formulating an appropriate response strategy, enhancing the combat capabilities of the Armed Forces, and modernising military infrastructure facilities.
There is nothing in Putin's speech that would support the Guardian, NBCnews or National Interest take. It seems their authors are still laboring under a Russiagate Derangement Syndrome. They are seeing – just like during Trump's first presidency – every U.S. action, not matter how bad, as being in Russia's favor. Russian warnings are portrait as endorsements of open U.S. hostility.
When will they learn that the gig is up?