Greenland’s future has become a geopolitical flashpoint. Dmitry Medvedev warned of a possible referendum, while President Trump’s allies introduced legislation to annex the Arctic island as America’s 51st state.
Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev suggested Greenlanders could soon vote to join Russia if U.S. President Donald Trump failed to act quickly on his renewed push to secure the Arctic island. Interfax quoted Medvedev saying unverified information pointed to a sudden referendum by Greenland’s 55,000 residents, potentially shifting allegiance away from Washington.
Trump has revived his long‑standing ambition to bring Greenland under U.S. control, describing the self‑governing Danish territory as vital for national security. He argues its location and resources are critical to deterring Russia, despite firm objections from Denmark and Greenland itself. Medvedev mocked the idea of new stars on the U.S. flag, while stressing Russia’s close watch on Arctic developments.
Although Moscow has not formally claimed Greenland, the Kremlin has repeatedly highlighted the island’s strategic role in Arctic security. Its position along North Atlantic routes and the presence of a major U.S. military and surveillance facility make it central to regional defense. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 fractured Arctic cooperation, and climate change has further heightened competition over new shipping lanes and resources.
Related Articles
Adding momentum to Trump’s push, Florida Congressman Randy Fine introduced the “Greenland Annexation and Statehood Act.” The bill seeks to authorize annexation and eventual admission of Greenland as America’s 51st state. Fine argued adversaries were attempting to establish a foothold in the Arctic, warning that U.S. inaction could leave critical shipping lanes and security architecture vulnerable to Russia and China.
“Greenland is not a distant outpost we can afford to ignore, it is a vital national security asset,” Fine said, stressing that control of the island equates to control of the Arctic’s strategic future. He added that America must not leave the region in the hands of regimes hostile to U.S. values.
The legislation empowers Trump to negotiate with Denmark to acquire Greenland. Should annexation occur, the president would be required to submit a report to Congress outlining necessary federal law changes to admit the territory as a state.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Monday there is no specific timeline for the U.S. to take over Greenland, leaving uncertainty around how quickly Trump’s ambitions could materialize.
