Pedro Sánchez Warns U.S. Greenland Move Could Undermine NATO and Benefit Russia

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has warned that any attempt by the United States to invade or forcibly acquire Greenland would seriously damage NATO unity and ultimately benefit Russian President Vladimir Putin. In a newspaper interview published on Sunday, Sánchez said such a move would legitimize Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and weaken the Western alliance at a critical moment for global security.

Speaking to Spain’s La Vanguardia newspaper, Sánchez argued that a U.S. military action against Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, would have far-reaching geopolitical consequences. He said it would set a dangerous precedent by normalizing the use of force to seize territory, something Russia has been widely condemned for since launching its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. According to Sánchez, this would make Putin “the happiest man in the world,” as it would undermine the moral and political stance NATO has taken against Moscow.

The Spanish leader emphasized that NATO’s credibility depends on shared values, including respect for sovereignty and international law. He warned that if the United States were to use force against a fellow NATO ally, it could mark the “death knell” of the alliance. Such an action, he said, would not only fracture transatlantic relations but also weaken collective deterrence against Russia.

Sánchez’s comments came amid renewed controversy over Greenland following remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump. On Saturday, Trump appeared to shift strategy by threatening escalating tariffs on several European allies unless the United States is allowed to purchase Greenland. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said an additional 10% import tariff would take effect on February 1 on goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland and Great Britain. These tariffs would rise to 25% on June 1 and remain in place until a deal is reached.

Trump has repeatedly stated that U.S. ownership of Greenland is a strategic necessity, citing its Arctic location and resources. However, leaders in both Denmark and Greenland have firmly rejected the idea, insisting the island is not for sale and that its people do not want to become part of the United States.