Moscow sees opportunity in Greenland crisis, but fears expanded U.S. Arctic presence

This white golf ball like structure houses one of several radars that scan the skies for foreign military rockets and missiles at Thule Air Base, Greenland. (Photo by JoAnne Castagna, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)

By Linus Höller • Feb 10, 2026

The Trump administration’s push to acquire Greenland has produced a carefully calibrated response from Moscow. An air of restraint in public comments masks more private concern over potential threats to Russian submarine operations, combined with satisfaction at widening cracks in the transatlantic alliance, according to analysts.

Russian officials and policy experts described the crisis as a double-edged sword, validating Moscow’s position on the primacy of power projection over international law, while potentially enabling a major expansion of U.S. military infrastructure in waters critical to Russia’s strategic deterrent.

“One of the most evident conclusions made here in Moscow by many politicians and analysts is that in this emerging world order, which is replacing the old one, might makes right, whether we like it or not,” said Andrey Kortunov, an expert with the Valdai Discussion Club and former director general of the Russian International Affairs Council. “It’s not about norms, but rather about your capabilities to achieve the goals you set for yourself.”