The Prime Minister of Greenland expressed readiness to engage in negotiations with Trump.

Mute Egede, the Prime Minister of Greenland, has expressed his willingness to engage in discussions with the elected President of the United States, Donald Trump. This statement comes in light of Trump's comments regarding the necessity of transferring control of the island to the U.S., as reported by Reuters.

During a press conference in Copenhagen, Egede was asked if he had made contact with the elected U.S. president.

“No, but we are ready to talk,” the Prime Minister replied.

The Prime Minister of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen, who was present at the event, noted that she had requested a meeting with Trump but does not expect it to happen before his inauguration.

Egede emphasized that Greenland's aspiration for independence does not imply a severance of relations with Denmark.

“We want to be the masters of our own home. This is something everyone should respect. But it does not mean we are giving up all connections, cooperation, and relations with Denmark,” he stated.

Greenland is an autonomous territory within Denmark, having its own government and authorities. Until 1953, the island was classified as a Danish colony. In 2009, it gained extended autonomy, including the right to self-governance in domestic affairs. The island, which has a population of around 57,000, hosts a U.S. military base.

Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed that Greenland should become part of the United States. According to him, the island holds strategic importance for national security, including protection against China and Russia.

On January 10, the Russian ambassador to Denmark, Vladimir Barbin, stated that the U.S. is developing airfield infrastructure in Greenland for F-35 fighters capable of carrying nuclear weapons. The diplomat noted that Trump's approach to Greenland could lead to increased tensions in the region.

“Trump's desire to gain control over the island indicates a reluctance to strengthen stability and develop dialogue in the Arctic,” Barbin emphasized. He also added that Russia will consider U.S. actions during military planning.

Background. Meanwhile, the Kremlin has stated that they are closely monitoring Trump's ambitions regarding Greenland. In Putin's view, Europe has shown a too “weak and timid” response to the American president's statements.

Moreover, Defense Express reported that Trump is far from the first to show interest in Greenland: since the 1960s, the U.S. had a project to dig 4,000 km of tunnels in Greenland, which were intended to house 600 Iceman ballistic missiles aimed at the USSR as a “second-strike weapon.”