Trump’s Greenland push creates opportunities and challenges for Putin

President Trump’s campaign to take control of Greenland has presented both promise and peril for President Vladimir V. Putin, analysts say, as Moscow watched a United States behaving in ways long associated with Russian tactics. The episode prompted celebration in Russia, even as it deepened strains within NATO.

Analysts including Fiona Hill said the moment was “filled with all kinds of promise and peril for Putin,” noting that Mr. Trump at one point said he would take Greenland by force if necessary, then backed down after the U.S. stock market fell and said he had reached a “framework” for a deal with NATO.

The Kremlin has already seen benefits from Mr. Trump’s early moves this term, the article says, citing actions that pleased Moscow such as efforts to dismantle U.S.A.I.D., shut down U.S.-funded media outlets and promote Russia-friendly far-right parties in Europe, along with a public break with President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine.

Mr. Putin, meanwhile, said the Greenland matter would be of no consequence to Russia, suggested Mr. Trump could work out a purchase and criticized Denmark’s treatment of the territory. Analysts caution that Moscow’s gains are mixed. Mr. Putin appears to be using a friendlier Washington to pursue aims in Ukraine while at times standing aside when U.S.

Key Topics

World, Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, Greenland, Denmark, Nato