Russian state TV host Vladimir Solovyov made light of President Donald Trump’s escalating tensions with Europe, especially regarding the issue of acquiring Greenland. The comment was shared by Anton Gerashchenko, former deputy minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Newsweek contacted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation for a statement outside of business hours, but has yet to receive a response.
Why It Matters
Solovyov’s joke about taking sides in a supposed “war for Greenland” highlights the rising tensions between the U.S. and Europe, as well as the growing partnership between the U.S. and Russia. The rift between the U.S. and Europe could have long-term effects on the U.S.’s economic and sociopolitical stability.
Furthermore, stronger relations between the U.S. and Russia could undermine the U.S.’s ability to mediate peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, potentially prolonging the ongoing conflict.
What Happened
On his show Evening With Vladimir Solovyov on Russia-1, the host discussed the issue of Greenland, which Trump had suggested purchasing from Denmark for national security reasons during his presidency. Solovyov joked that Russia needed to decide “which side to take in the war for Greenland against this colonial, capitalist, arrogant Denmark.” He further emphasized that his comments were not entirely in jest, signaling deeper concerns.
The “war for Greenland” remark refers to Trump’s proposal to buy Greenland from Denmark, a suggestion that both Denmark and Greenland have rejected.
Tensions between European leaders and President Trump have been on the rise, particularly over the U.S.’s involvement in the peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. Recently, European leaders accused the U.S. of sidelining Ukraine and making concessions to Russian President Vladimir Putin by holding peace talks with Russia in Saudi Arabia without Ukraine’s involvement.
Both Trump and Putin have pushed Ukraine to hold elections as part of a three-step process toward peace.
Rising Tensions with Europe
On Tuesday, tensions between the U.S. and Europe deepened when the U.S. voted alongside Russia, North Korea, and Belarus against a European-drafted United Nations resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The resolution called for de-escalation, a ceasefire, and Russia’s withdrawal from Ukrainian territory, but several U.S. officials criticized the country’s vote against it.
What People Are Saying
Several public figures expressed concern over the U.S.’s shifting stance. Guy Verhofstadt, former Prime Minister of Belgium, wrote on X: “Trump’s plan to capture Greenland, not even ruling out military options, is the Putin, Xi playbook. R.I.P. US President as ‘leader of the free world.’ We can laugh, or cry. But the need for a European army doesn’t seem so stupid now!”
Former U.S. Congressman Joe Walsh also criticized the shift, tweeting, “Just think about this: The United States is siding with Russia. In the single greatest attack on freedom, democracy, and sovereignty in Europe since WWII, the United States is opposing freedom/democracy, and is actually siding with the invader/dictator. Shameful.”
Joe Coniglio, director of antitrust and innovation at the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, wrote on X: “Amidst all the tensions, we must remember that the transatlantic alliance is unshakable and not just founded upon common defense and economic ties, but shared values and history. The current moment should be an occasion for the U.S. and Europe to build back closer, not grow apart.”
What’s Next
President Trump met with French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday to discuss the war in Ukraine. He is also scheduled to meet with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday to further discuss the situation.
