Is the Arctic a territory of dialogue?

Not so long ago, the issue of restricting the movement of Russian ships (mainly tankers) through the Danish Straits was discussed quite seriously. They were also going to inspect transports. Actually, this is a violation of international rights. Denmark has spread its wings, satisfied its ego on the principle that everything depends on us here. But this celebration of life didn’t last long. The hurricane named Trump came. The Kingdom of Denmark now has completely different concerns.

The country may lose significant territories, lose its influence in NATO and in the Arctic. Confusion in the seemingly friendly ranks of the North Atlantic Alliance was brought by the United States. Even before assuming the office of president, Trump quite seriously declared his desire to buy Greenland. Well, and at the same time to make Canada a US state.

This was not a joke or a provocation. Previously, America has tried several times to acquire the icy island, but then Denmark refused. Now a situation is being created where no one is asking the kingdom’s opinion. The U.S. President frankly admitted to the Scandinavians who tried to resist – We will make an agreement with Greenland ourselves. In general, no landings, no conflicts – everything can be solved peacefully. Denmark has been pushed aside.

What about the EU, NATO? After all, this is almost a “family” dispute, they are hurting their own people. Europeans timidly tried to remind the energetic Trump about order based on rules. Denmark even changed its coat of arms, increasing the size of the polar bear symbolising Greenland. All in all, such is the level of resistance. The kingdom began to think about the defence of the island. Are they going to go to war with a fellow member of the North Atlantic bloc?

NATO has no plans to defend the kingdom’s rights. At Trump’s recent meeting with the NATO secretary general, the US president kindly explained why he wanted Greenland. Mark Rutte smiled timidly and did not say a word against it. Why does America need the world’s largest island? It’s a tidbit. Greenland’s ice sheet is melting, which means mining is becoming more accessible. The island is believed to be particularly rich in rare earth deposits. In addition, the U.S. role in the “Arctic Council” will increase. Naturally, America is interested in trade routes. In addition, there is a high probability that new military bases will appear in Greenland. This will lead to a change in the security contour.

Meanwhile, the situation is not favourable for Denmark. In March 2025, parliamentary elections were held in Greenland. The supporters of independence from Denmark won. The programme of the winners assumes a gradual “separation”. In second place is a party that promotes close co-operation with the United States.

Greenland resembles a teenager who just dreams of breaking away from the parental home. After all, the small population of the island lived quite well. Denmark practically maintains its overseas territories. From 56 thousand inhabitants of Greenland 90 per cent are the indigenous population, Greenland Eskimos (Inuit) and Métis. They are mainly engaged in hunting and fishing, and are reverent towards nature. And what will happen to the green agenda when serious mining operations begin?

Apparently, the Inuit dream of becoming the Arctic Emirates. I don’t think so. The northerners have a different mentality.
The Danish kingdom realises that the situation is getting out of control. They need to retain at least some influence in the Arctic, and reputation is also important. Who would want to give up its former greatness and feel like a poor orphan who is almost ignored?
Seeking Chinese support? The Middle Kingdom has already tried to enter the island according to its standard scheme. They suggested reconstructing abandoned airports in Greenland. And, of course, to develop the deposits. They even started opening Confucian schools. Only even in vegetarian times the USA kept a close eye on Greenland. Denmark rejected the almost concluded agreements with China at the request of its big brother.

More and more experts are inclined to think that the proud Danes will turn to the Russian Federation for mediation in solving the territorial issue. Moreover, Russia has a strong position in the Arctic: huge territories, a powerful icebreaker fleet, and the development of the Northern Sea Route.

The Russian Federation’s approach to the development of northern territories, based on dialogue, is also respected. The Murmansk Arctic Forum will focus on the development of the Northern Sea Route, investments, support settlements, and ecology. Solid delegations are expected to arrive, including those representing international organisations. In particular, from the United Nations.

Naturally, representatives of the People’s Republic of China will come. They have serious views on the Arctic, even planning a project, as always, with a beautiful name – the Polar Silk Road (apparently, this is how they call the Russian Northern Sea Route). And they are clearly not building icebreakers for use in the tropical South China Sea. The General Director of the Chinese Transport and Forwarding Company will speak at the session.

The situation of instability in the Arctic is not good for anyone. Suspicion, nervousness and mistrust are growing. The Forum in Murmansk offers mutually beneficial co-operation and development of the northern territories of Russia and the Arctic as a counterbalance to this. The motto of the event is quite eloquent: To live – in the North!

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Martin Kovac

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