Vladimir Putin slams Donald Trump on Greenland issue, mocks Europe

Moscow: Even as US President Donald Trump threatens Europe and puts the NATO alliance at risk over his adamant demand of making Greenland a part of the United States, Russia has also stepped into the issue with an explosive statement. Amidst the ongoing diplomatic tussle over Greenland, Russian President Vladimir Putin has reopened old wounds in Europe.

What message did Vladimir Putin have for  Denmark?

The Russian president stated that Denmark has always treated Greenland like a colony and has dealt with it harshly and brutally. Citing historical examples of the purchase and sale of ice-covered islands, Putin put a price tag on Greenland, saying its current value would be between $200 and $250 million. $250 million is approximately 23 billion Indian rupees, a sum far less than a billion dollars.

Putin, who has been at odds with European countries over Ukraine for a long time, said that Russia has no involvement in the dispute over the island's ownership. He said, "This certainly doesn't concern us. I think they will sort it out among themselves."

What did Vladimir Putin say on the Greenland issue?

Russian President Vladimir Putin has surprised everyone by saying that Russia has nothing to do with the Greenland issue. Not only that, but Putin also made a statement that will not sit well with US President Donald Trump. The Russian president recently mentioned Alaska while discussing Greenland. Putin tried to remind the US that it had purchased this state from Russia. Putin's statement comes at a time when Donald Trump is eager to make Greenland a part of the United States.

Putin was speaking at a National Security Council meeting on Wednesday. When Greenland was mentioned, Putin said, "We have nothing to do with what happens to Greenland."

"Although Denmark has always treated Greenland like a colony and adopted a rather harsh, if not cruel, attitude towards it. But this is a completely different matter, and I doubt we would be interested in it right now. We have nothing to do with this. I think they will sort it out among themselves," the Russian president added.

What did Vladimir Putin say about Alaska?

Putin then referred to the deal between Russia and the US regarding Alaska. He said that this situation reminds him of Alaska, which Russia sold to the United States in 1867. Putin also estimated the current value of Greenland, saying that its current price could be between $200 and $250 million.

It is worth noting that in 1867, the US purchased Alaska from the Russian government for $7.2 million. The deal was struck at the time between US Secretary of State William Seward and Russian Minister Eduard de Stoeckl. Experts are interpreting Putin's statement as an indirect warning to the United States.