Russian intrigue: How a fake letter fueled Trump's interest in Greenland
Danish counterintelligence has revealed that the idea for the United States to acquire Greenland was allegedly suggested to Donald Trump by Russian intelligence. The Danes discovered that Russia forged a letter from Greenland's Foreign Minister to US Senator Tom Cotton.
The Danish counterintelligence found that Russia had forged a letter from Greenland's Foreign Minister to US Senator Tom Cotton. The letter requested funds for a referendum on Greenland's independence from Denmark.
Cotton himself admitted that he discussed this topic with Donald Trump. The aim was to spark Trump's interest in Greenland and inspire him to formulate his own vision for the region's future.
Russian manipulations regarding Greenland: Has intelligence been stirred up?
According to "Newsweek," Danish counterintelligence believes Russia aimed to create discord between Denmark, the USA, and Greenland. Moscow seemed to be attempting to exploit the situation to divide NATO and normalise the acquisition of territories without citizens' consent.
Did the Russians bring up the Greenland issue to Trump? Danish intelligence gathers evidence
"Newsweek" reminds us that this story resurfaced on social media prior to the president-elect's inauguration. Trump repeatedly emphasised the strategic importance of Greenland for the United States, citing threats from China and Russia.
However, as noted by Bloomberg, Trump's interest also has economic motivations. The island holds significant reserves of gold, diamonds, uranium, and rare earth metals, which are crucial for electronics production.
Greenland's Prime Minister, Mute Egede, expressed a willingness to negotiate with the USA, although the island's residents prefer not to be either Danish or American. Danish authorities sent Trump's team confidential proposals concerning the island's security, indicating their readiness to increase the American military presence in Greenland.
American writer Dean Gloster pointed out that "the plan to purchase Greenland was devised by Putin's intelligence to divide NATO". Russia forged the letter to sow discord among the allies.
