VLADIMIR Putin’s leading mouthpiece has said Russia should join forces with the US to take over Greenland after Donald Trump hit out at Nato.
The Kremlin crony accused Britain of having an “alien influence” in the Arctic after Sir Keir Starmer said European troops could be sent to Greenland to bolster the region’s security.
European officials have warned an attack by the US could mark the end of Nato and may spark a direct conflict between allies.
Trump warned against the alliance becoming involved in Greenland’s future as he urged the world’s biggest island to accept a deal with Washington or face Chinese and Russian aggression imminently.
Speaking to reporters on board Air Force One on Sunday, Trump played down concerns over Europe’s influence.
He stated: “If it affects Nato, then it affects Nato but they need us much more than we need them, I will tell you that right now.
“If we don’t take Greenland, Russia or China will. And I’m not going to let that happen.
“One way or the other, we’re going to have Greenland.”
Trump went on to suggest that Greenland’s defence is only “two dogsleds” so they should be mindful of a dangerous Beijing and Moscow lurking in the shadows.
A bizarre twist has now seen a top Kremlin TV star call for Moscow and Washington to join forces to launch an invasion of Greenland.
The comments by Vladimir Solovyov came as he hurled a barrage of insults at Europe.
Solovyov said: “We have entered extremely turbulent times. Trump is preparing for a major war.
“And for us, this is very beneficial if it means war with Europe.
“We will be ready to help Trump free Greenland from this alien influence.”
Solovyov addressed Starmer’s plans to send troops to Greenland directly as he said: “The Americans will sink you on the way if they want to, and we will help.”
When asked why Russia would want to join forces with the US, Solovyov chillingly replied: “Well, just for the love of art.”
Nato military chiefs are reportedly drawing up plans around stopping Russia and China from invading Greenland.
Sir Keir is said to take the threat from Russia and China in the region “extremely seriously” and has agreed to take action.
In recent days, British officials have met with their counterparts from countries including Germany and France in order to get preparations underway.
While the planning is still at an early stage, it could mean British soldiers, warships and planes deployed to protect Greenland.
Denmark’s military has already confirmed its troops will “shoot first and ask questions later” if Trump launches an attack.
Looking to avoid any bullets being fired, European allies are said to be hoping that if they increase their presence in the Arctic this will persuade Trump to abandon his plans to annex the island.
But the US president appears to have taken little notice of Europe’s determination to keep Greenland as a self-governing nation.
He reportedly ordered his special forces chiefs to draw up plans for an attack on the isle over the weekend.
Trump has asked the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) to draft plans for an invasion, insiders claim.
Policy “hawks” in the White House, led by political adviser Stephen Miller, are egging Trump on to annex the isle before it’s too late, The Mail on Sunday reports.
The US already has more than 100 military personnel permanently stationed at its Pituffik base in Greenland’s north-western tip.
The facility has been operated by the US since World War Two.
Under existing agreements with Denmarkthe US has the power to bring as many troops as it wants to Greenland.
Four ways Trump could take Greenland
By Harvey Geh, Foreign News Reporter
HERE are four ways Donald Trump could take over Greenland:
- Invade: Trump would have little issue using the world’s strongest military to annex a poorly defended target such as Greenland. Denmark may even surrender before a fight takes place to avoid the risk of a full-blown Nato collapse. But any attack could still fall victim to a string of problems, including extreme weather conditions and long supply lines.
- Coercion: The threat of military intervention itself could be enough to force Copenhagen’s hand and pass over the crucial island. But aside from looming threats, Trump could purchase Greenland directly from the Danes. Previous US administrations have tried this at least three times in the past, with the first instance dating back to 1867.
- Free Association: Washington is reportedly already working on a plan to sign a “compact of free association” with Greenland. This deal would mirror current arrangements the US has with countries like Palau, Micronesia, and the Marshall Islands. In these relationships, the US military have free rein in these territories in exchange for duty-free trade. But if such a deal were to take place, Greenland would have to cede from Denmark and gain independence first.
- Prolong the status quo: With Denmark and Trump both vying to have their own influence, Greenland could seek benefits from both without actually gaining independence or submitting to the US. If Washington settled for a bolstered military presence and mineral-mining contracts on the island, they could lay off further plans to annex it entirely.
Experts have said it would be alarmingly simple for the US to make a grab for the strategically important Arctic island.
On Friday, Greenland’s Prime Minister said in a defiant rebuke to Trump “we do not want to be Americans” after the US president warned he can take the island “the easy way or the hard way”.
Jens-Frederik Nielsen said: “Greenland’s future must be decided by the Greenlandic people.”
It follows reports that Trump is considering sending $100,000 lump sums to Greenlanders.
US officials have reportedly discussed dishing out payments of between $10,000 (£7,443) and $100,000 (£74,437) to try and woo islanders into independence.
The sensational proposal would cost the US an eye-watering $5.7billion in a bid to curry favour with locals.
It’s just one of the solutions being mulled by Washington, which are “actively” discussing a potential offer to buy the semi-autonomous Danish territory.
Trump insisted that his first choice would be to purchase the island, but has made it clear that he wants the territory no matter what.
He has refused to rule out military action in the island.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio told US lawmakers that the Don is looking to find a peaceful way to take the island – and has downplayed the threat of an invasion.