Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin has noted increasing attention from non-Arctic nations toward the Arctic region, highlighting Russia’s longstanding leadership in its development. Speaking at the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Putin remarked on the growing global focus on the Arctic, as reported by the state-run Tass news agency.

According to Anadolu Agency, Putin addressed students, referencing their reaction to recent reports on Greenland. He acknowledged that while the news may have seemed humorous, it underscored the strategic importance of the Arctic. “Russia has undoubtedly been a leader in Arctic development for many decades,” he emphasized, reiterating the country’s historic role in the High North.

The focus on Greenland has also been a point of contention, particularly with the United States. US President Donald Trump renewed efforts to purchase Greenland in January, citing national security and the need to prevent other powers, such as Russia or China, from establishing a presence there. This proposal was met with resistance from European leaders, including EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, who stressed Greenland’s sovereignty is “not for trade.”

In response to the escalating tensions, Russia has committed to strengthening its Arctic defense capabilities, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov clarifying that Moscow has “no plans to capture Greenland.” Despite Trump’s claims of a “framework” for a deal, both Denmark and local authorities have dismissed the idea, maintaining Greenland’s autonomy.