JD Vance and his wife are set to arrive in Greenland on Friday for a visit that has sparked controversy – as Vladimir Putin warns that US threats to control the island should be taken seriously.

The US vice president and his wife Usha will arrive in Greenland at approximately 3.30pm GMT to visit America’s military base at Pituffik in the northern part of the Arctic island.

The planned itinerary has been simplified. Mrs Vance had initially arranged a solo trip to a popular dog-sled race on the island with national security adviser Mike Waltz – but this plan incurred anger as they hadn’t been invited by authorities in Greenland or Denmark.

Following this, Mr Vance stated he would join her on the trip, only for the plan to change again to a one-day visit to the military base, due to protests from Greenland and Denmark.

The trip follows Donald Trump‘s repeated claims that the US should take over Greenland, a territory that has been part of Denmark for 600 years.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said it doesn’t surprise him that the US is keen to control the semi-autonomous Danish territory.

Vladimir Putin, who has faced rejection from the West due to his invasion of Ukraine, stated that America’s proposal should not be dismissed as “excessive rhetoric”.

In an address in the Arctic port of Murmansk, Putin observed that the US initially contemplated gaining control over Greenland in the 19th century and then proposed purchasing it from Denmark post-World War II.

“While this may initially seem surprising, it would be incorrect to assume that this is mere inflated talk from the current US administration,” said Mr Putin.

“It’s evident that the US will continue to advance its geostrategic, military-political, and economic interests in the Arctic systematically.”

Further reading:
Why is Trump eager to take over Greenland?
Trump believes US will annex Greenland

Putin further stated: “We will not permit any encroachment on our country’s sovereignty, ensuring the reliable safeguarding of our national interests while promoting peace and stability in the polar region.”

While affirming Russia’s commitment to bolstering its military presence in the Arctic, Putin also indicated Moscow’s openness to broader international collaboration in the region.

“The stronger our positions are, the more significant the outcomes will be and the broader opportunities we will have to initiate international projects in the Arctic. These projects will involve countries that are amicable to us and, possibly, Western countries should they display interest in joint ventures. I am convinced that the time will come for such projects,” Putin said.