"By dragging NATO into the Arctic, including Greenland, under the slogan of countering the 'Russian threat,' Denmark is promoting confrontational approaches that always lead not to strengthening, but to weakening security and increasing military tensions in the region," Barbin said.
On January 15, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova took aim at NATO's presence in the Arctic, saying the bloc destabilizes the situation there, and warning that any attempts to create threats to Russian security will have consequences.
It is too early to assess what the evolving situation around Greenland means for Russian security, Ambassador Vladimir Barbin stated.
"For a detailed analysis of the possible military and political consequences for Russia we should wait for clarification of the situation around Greenland," Barbin said.
Barbin advised against any outside intervention in the Greenland issue, calling it solely a matter for Denmark, Greenland, and the United States.
"The current crisis surrounding Greenland is a matter for Denmark, Greenland, and the US. It is within their power to find a solution. The nature of their agreements is their business, their competence. Intervening externally in this process is inadvisable," the ambassador said.
Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that the island should become part of the United States. The Danish and Greenlandic authorities have warned Washington against seizing the island, noting that they expect respect for their territorial integrity.