This week, two major events will evoke a feeling of disquiet among Greenland and its European allies.

From the West, US Vice President JD Vance is en route, dispatched by a president who has openly expressed interest in annexation.

Simultaneously, from the East, a speech by a Russian leader points to the possibility of partitioning the Arctic and exploiting its significant mineral resources alongside Moscow’s new partners in Washington.

In a closely followed address, Vladimir Putin indicated support for Donald Trump’s proposal to annex Greenland by stating that such plans are “serious” and “rooted in deep historical contexts”.

Kremlin representatives have further suggested that Russia is open to collaborating with the US to develop the Arctic through “joint investment”.

The Arctic, rich with mineral wealth, is increasingly accessible due to climate change.

Russia is well-equipped to benefit from this with its strategic bases and ports that encircle the Arctic Circle.

However, Mr Putin warned of growing tensions, noting that “NATO countries increasingly view the Far North as a potential flashpoint for conflicts”, which seems to be a caution to European nations to step back.

The idea of Russia and America jointly capitalizing on the Arctic poses yet another challenge for Europe in the face of this emerging Trump-driven world order, with Greenland finding itself caught in the middle.

Donald Trump has expressed confidence in the likelihood of American annexation of Greenland, which adds further complexity to the issue.

He casually mentioned it in front of NATO’s secretary general at the White House, as if the idea of taking another member’s land was entirely normal.

Surprisingly, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte did not resist the notion.

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Both Trump and his vice president claim that the US needs Greenland for security, which seems insincere given that there are no hostile threats in the area.

Additionally, the US already has a military base there and has the option to request more facilities.

Mr Vance also indicates that Denmark has neglected Greenland. However, Denmark actually provides annual subsidies of £480m.

In reality, what the Trump administration appears to be seeking in Greenland is a resource akin to what they may desire in Ukraine: mineral wealth.

Sky News recently met with Greenlanders who dismissed Mr Trump’s threats as analogous to a gangster extortion attempt.

There is no local support for an American takeover. Plus, there is little enthusiasm for the vice president and his wife’s visit.

The Vances have downplayed their visit and are now limited to a trip to the US base at Pittufik.

However, it appears that the Trump administration is determined to acquire more territory, with Greenland at the top of their list.

Moreover, its president might share Russia’s view that it is in America’s best interest to share the world with Russia, regardless of how this affects American allies.

This is a challenge they will need to confront.