Russia, China in Panic as Trump Makes U-Turn on Greenland and Targets Entire Arctic

U.S. President Donald Trump has made a U-turn on Greenland, announcing that he will suspend planned tariffs on NATO allies following what he described as a “very productive meeting” with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, and unveiling a broader strategic plan focused on the entire Arctic region.

The move, announced on January 21, 2026, comes after weeks of heightened diplomatic tension sparked by Trump’s renewed insistence that the United States should gain greater control over Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, citing national security concerns.

Trump said the decision to stop tariffs scheduled to take effect on February 1 was directly linked to an emerging framework agreement reached with NATO leadership.

“Based upon a very productive meeting that I have had with the Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte, we have formed the framework of a future deal with respect to Greenland and, in fact, the entire Arctic Region,” Trump said in a statement.

He added that the proposed arrangement, if finalized, would benefit both the United States and its NATO allies.

“This solution, if consummated, will be a great one for the United States of America and all NATO Nations,” he said.

Also Read: Standard Chartered Makes Leadership Changes as MD Kariuki Ngari Exits After 24 Years

The tariffs, which had been widely interpreted as leverage against European allies, particularly Denmark, were met with sharp criticism across Europe and raised concerns about unity within the transatlantic alliance.

Greenland Sovereignty Not on the Table

Despite Trump’s characterization of the talks, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte later clarified that discussions did not include any proposal to alter Greenland’s sovereignty.

Danish and Greenlandic officials have repeatedly stressed that Greenland is not for sale and that any future decisions regarding its status rest with the people of Greenland and the Danish government.

European leaders have framed the recent talks as discussions around Arctic security cooperation, not territorial acquisition.

The Arctic Takes Center Stage

Trump’s latest remarks suggest a strategic pivot from Greenland alone to the broader Arctic region, an area of growing geopolitical competition due to melting sea ice, emerging shipping routes, and untapped natural resources.

He also hinted at further talks related to a project he referred to as “The Golden Dome” in connection with Greenland, though details remain unclear.

“Additional discussions are being held concerning The Golden Dome as it pertains to Greenland.

Further information will be made available as discussions progress,” Trump said.

Russia and China Watch Closely

The announcement has drawn attention from Moscow and Beijing, both of which have expanded their Arctic ambitions in recent years.

Russian state media and officials have reacted cautiously, with some portraying the episode as evidence of friction within NATO.

Also Read: CAK Greenlights Celebi’s Full Takeover of Transglobal Cargo in Unconditional Deal

China, which describes itself as a “near-Arctic state,” has consistently warned against militarizing the region, calling instead for multilateral cooperation and respect for international law.

While neither country has issued direct statements in response to Trump’s latest remarks, analysts say the renewed U.S. focus on the Arctic is likely to heighten strategic competition.

Negotiators Named

Trump said future negotiations will be led by a high-level U.S. team reporting directly to him.

“Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and various others, as needed, will be responsible for the negotiations; they will report directly to me,” he stated.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for Instant News Updates

The image shows the Greenland Island
PHOTO/Reuters