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Russia Questions Denmark's Sovereignty Over Greenland as Colonial Legacy

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has publicly questioned whether Greenland is a natural part of Denmark, framing it as a lingering issue from the colonial era. He argued that several countries, including France and the UK, still hold territories in violation of UN resolutions. Lavrov announced an initiative within a UN group to launch a campaign to "clean up all remains of the colonial age." The statements are significant given Russia's permanent, veto-wielding seat on the UN Security Council.

Key Points: Russia Calls Greenland "Not Natural Part" of Denmark

  • Lavrov challenges colonial-era sovereignty
  • Lists 17 non-sovereign UN territories
  • Cites UK, France holdings as violations
  • Vows UN campaign against colonial remains
3 min read

"Greenland is not a natural part of Denmark, is it?" Russia says

Russian FM Sergey Lavrov challenges Denmark's sovereignty over Greenland, calling it a colonial-era issue and listing other disputed territories.

"Greenland is not a natural part of Denmark, is it? - Sergey Lavrov"

Moscow, January 21

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said that Greenland was not a "natural part of Denmark."

Addressing a news conference on Tuesday (local time), Lavrov said that several countries own parts of colonies, which is a flagrant violation of the UNSC Charter.

"If we talk about Greenland, well, that's part of the issue that has to do with the consequences of the colonial era, starting with the 13th century. Greenland essentially, was a Norwegian colony, starting with the 18th, till the very beginning of the 20th century was the Denmark's colony. And by the mid-20th century, an agreement was signed, according to which it is part of Denmark, not as a colony but as an associated territory. It was associated with the European Union. But in principle, Greenland is not a natural part of Denmark, is it?" he said.

Lavrov said that the problem of former colonial powers holding on to colonies is a problem which is becoming more urgent.

"It was not a natural part of Norway or Denmark. It was the colonial acquired state. Well, people got used to that. That's the other matter. But the problem of former colonial powers, well, it is something that is becoming more urgent," he said.

Lavrov further said that there are 17 territories which are still deopendent on ruling powers, listing out the regions, and said that these issues will be raised even in the future.

"According to the UN, there are 17 territories that either do not have sovereignty or are directly dependent on their ruling powers. Unlike and at odds with the UNSC resolution, France keeps the island of Mayotte. Judging by all of the decisions of the United Nations. It keeps part of the Comoros. The UK keeps the Malvinas. In violation of multiple resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly. Britain also keeps the Mauritius island of Tagus, archipelago. There are multiple examples, French Polynesia, Epirus islands that are still kept by the French Republic. Therefore, these issues will be raised in the future as well," he said.

"And it's not by chance that within the UN group in defence of the UN Charter, we adopted a very important initiative, namely to launch a campaign within the United Nations to clean up all remains of the colonial age," Lavrov added.

Lavrov's statements are critical as Russia is a permanent member of the UNSC, and enjoys the veto power.

Trump has promised to steadily increase tariffs on European countries that have opposed his move to acquire Greenland, escalating a dispute over the semiautonomous Danish territory he has long coveted.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The people of Greenland should decide their own future, not Denmark, not the US, and certainly not Russia. Self-determination is the key. If they are happy with their current status, that's fine. If they want independence, that should be supported. Simple as that.
A
Aman W
This is pure geopolitical posturing. Russia is trying to create divisions in the West by bringing up colonial history. They did the same with Kashmir at the UN, trying to needle India. It's a distraction tactic from their own actions in Ukraine. We should see through this.
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Sarah B
As someone living in Delhi, I find the historical parallels fascinating. Greenland's situation is unique, but the broader issue of decolonization is unfinished business. The UN should indeed have a proper process to address these 17 territories, but it must be led impartially, not by nations with their own agendas.
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Vikram M
Lavrov is technically correct about the colonial history, but his timing is suspicious. Why now? Maybe because the West is united against Russia over Ukraine, so he's trying to find a wedge issue. The people of Greenland matter most here, not geopolitics.
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Nisha Z
The mention of the UK keeping islands "in violation of UN resolutions" is ironic. They lecture others on rules-based order but don't follow it themselves. The world needs consistency. If colonial-era injustices are to be addressed, it must be done uniformly, not selectively for political convenience.

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