Speaking before the Russian State Duma, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov affirmed that if Greenland is militarized or becomes a place to deploy military infrastructure against Russia, Moscow "will take corresponding retaliatory measures, including technical - military measures".
In an interview on the online platform Empatia Manuchi, Mr. Lavrov accused NATO of trying to turn the Arctic into a "confrontation zone", and said that the increasing military activity of this alliance is challenging Russia's indisputable rights to the Northern Maritime Route.
NATO has repeatedly provoked in the region. Such actions will quickly decrease as planners realize the serious consequences," Mr. Lavrov warned.
Russia's statement was made at the right time when NATO officially launched a multilateral mission called "Arctic Sentry", aimed at strengthening coordination and ensuring security in an area assessed as increasingly strategically significant.
The Supreme Commander of NATO Allies in Europe - US General Alexus Grynkewich - said that the new mission demonstrates the alliance's commitment to protecting its members and maintaining stability in one of the strategically important but environmentally challenging regions.
According to NATO, "Arctic Sentry" will initially coordinate existing activities of member countries, including upcoming exercises by Norway and Denmark.
The Danish Defense Minister declared that Copenhagen will make a significant contribution to this initiative, while Germany said it will deploy 4 Eurofighter fighters in the immediate future.
Finland - a country with a 1.340km long border with Russia - welcomed this move, considering it a step to strengthen Arctic security.
However, it is not yet clear whether NATO will deploy any significant military capabilities under the new mission framework.
Tensions surrounding Greenland are also linked to controversial statements by US President Donald Trump. Mr. Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire to seize control of Greenland - an autonomous territory belonging to Denmark - arguing that the island is of vital importance to US national security. He also mentioned the plan to deploy the "Golden Dome" missile defense system here.
Although his tone has recently softened, US Vice President JD Vance still reaffirmed Washington's ambitions in the Arctic, saying that some allies have invested disproportionately in regional security.
He suggested that if the US has to spend heavily and take on the role of protecting this vast region, finding commensurate benefits is natural.
Previously, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said that developments related to Greenland originated from Washington's desire to maintain global dominance, and affirmed that Russia will ensure national security in all circumstances.
Denmark and Greenland have now begun negotiations with the US, intending to reconsider the 1951 treaty on the deployment of US troops on the island.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said that NATO members support establishing a permanent presence in the Arctic, including the area around Greenland, as part of efforts to strengthen regional security.
