Russian experts: Europe may "abandon" Greenland, but doesn't want to lose face, becoming a turning point in US-Europe relations
US President Trump has repeatedly stated that Greenland should become part of the United States. Trump emphasized the strategic importance of Greenland for national security and protecting the "free world" from threats posed by countries such as Russia and China. Trump refused to commit not to use force to control Greenland, and also refused to clearly answer whether he thought Greenland or the survival of NATO was more important.
Andrei Kortunov, an expert at the Valdai International Discussion Club, said: "We see that statements about Greenland are no longer just empty talk. Now, Greenland is likely to become a turning point in US-Europe relations."
He explained that the US and Europe are moving apart: their interests are different, their priorities are different, and there are many conflicts. He also believes that Europe is afraid to challenge the US, so Europe tries to delay resolving the issue of Greenland, attributing everything to the so-called threats from China and Russia, but the conflict between the US and Europe will continue to escalate.
Andrei Sidorov, associate professor at the Department of History of Moscow State University, believes that Europe may reach an agreement with the US on the issue of Greenland.
He added that the EU is currently trying to avoid losing face. I think they are ready to give up Greenland, but they don't want to lose face.
Sergei Grinyaev, chief researcher at the Arctic Research Center of the Institute of Europe of the Russian Academy of Sciences, also expressed similar views. He said that Europe will try to "meet Trump's demands," but at the same time also try to save face.
Greenland was a Danish colony before 1953, and is still part of the Kingdom of Denmark, but it gained autonomy in 2009, allowing it to govern itself and make independent choices in internal affairs.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1854289650468996/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.