US plans seizure of Greenland in lightning operation – Massive aircraft landings in Britain

An alarm has been sounded at the level of the European Union, NATO, and Denmark following reports of American plans to seize Greenland, coming on the heels of the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Statements by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding Greenland have provoked intense reactions and skepticism, igniting a fresh debate surrounding US geopolitical strategies and American ambitions in the Arctic. Following a closed-door briefing in the US Senate, Rubio announced he would hold a meeting next week (after January 12) to discuss the Greenland issue, reinforcing anxieties about the region's future and Washington's stance toward Denmark and Russia. When asked by a journalist if the US intends to purchase Greenland, Rubio stated that this was Trump’s intention from the very beginning.

When further pressed on whether the US administration is willing to jeopardize NATO itself, Rubio characteristically replied: "The President always maintains the option to use military force to defend the United States."

White House: US will annex Greenland – Halting aggressive actions by Russia and China

The US seeks to bolster its strategic position in the Arctic through the full annexation of Greenland, according to statements by White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt. During a regular press briefing, Leavitt referred to the benefits that annexing the island would provide, with the primary goal of enhancing American control over the Arctic region. She emphasized that full control of Greenland would allow the US to ensure that competitors, such as Russia and China, would be unable to continue their aggressive actions in this critical and strategic area. As she noted, this would provide significant strategic advantages and strengthen the US position on the global stage, particularly in the conflict over natural resources and Arctic shipping routes.

US military aircraft landing in mass in Britain

The concentration of American military aircraft at British military bases signals a new escalation in global US strategic maneuvers, set against the backdrop of recent developments in Venezuela and Greenland that have caused international concern. Since Saturday, January 3, 2026, several C-17 Globemaster and AC-130J Ghostrider aircraft have been observed landing at RAF bases in England, with flight data and plane-spotter reports confirming their presence. These flights are linked to American military operations, which appear to have received support from Great Britain, as reported by the UK Ministry of Defence. The presence of these aircraft follows the seizure of the Russian tanker Bella-1 on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. Britain stated it provided "planned operational support," including bases and other infrastructure, ahead of the American operation. These aircraft landed at several RAF bases, such as RAF Fairford and RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk; it remains unclear if they were directly involved in the seizure of the tanker. The arrival of these aircraft in the United Kingdom coincides with US military movements in the Atlantic while pursuing the Bella-1, a Russian tanker under US sanctions, adding another dimension to the already strained relations between the US, Russia, and other powers in the region. Notably, the British government refused to comment on the nature of the operational activities, deepening the mystery surrounding the exact mission of these military movements.

US strategy and the claim to Greenland

Greenland, which is an autonomous territory of Denmark, has been of strategic importance on the international political stage for years, primarily due to its geographic position in the Arctic. The American side appears interested in Greenland not only for its natural resources but also for its strategic location within the Arctic Circle—a region likely to gain even greater significance as the ice melts. The US had attempted to purchase Greenland during Donald Trump's first term, causing international turmoil. After failing to realize the purchase idea, Trump himself stated in March 2025 that Greenland could be annexed by the US through political and economic pressure, threatening Denmark with trade tariffs if Copenhagen refused to discuss the possibility. Although Denmark, through Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, rejects any claims to Greenland, Washington continues to hold strategic interests in the area. In 1951, the US and Denmark signed a mutual defense agreement for Greenland, ensuring the US undertakes the defense of the region from external threats. This agreement remains in force and, according to some analyses, reinforces the importance of Greenland to the US amid growing Arctic tensions and the Russian presence in the region.

International reactions and Russia’s strategy

Russia, as one of the most significant powers in the Arctic, is closely monitoring developments surrounding Greenland and US strategy. The region is critical for Moscow due to its natural resources and strategic passages. Russia has already bolstered its military presence in the Arctic and continuously invests in the development of regional infrastructure. While Russia has not made official statements regarding Greenland, Washington's strategy for the area is likely to cause tension with Moscow. Russia views the Arctic as vital for its security and development, and the American presence there is considered a strategic threat. Furthermore, Russia sees the US effort to strengthen influence in the Arctic and Greenland as an attempt to destabilize its own strong presence in the region, affecting the balance of power and geopolitical negotiations.

The strategic importance of Greenland for the US

Greenland, despite being an autonomous Danish territory, remains of strategic importance to both the US and Russia, particularly within the framework of the new Cold War taking shape in the Arctic. With the region hiding vast quantities of natural resources like oil and gas, the US government sees Greenland as an attractive opportunity for energy independence, especially at a time when the global energy market is volatile. Additionally, Greenland's strategic position makes its participation in the American Strategic Defense Zone (MDP) extremely important. Greenland offers strategic bases and capabilities for monitoring and defense against Russia and other strategic threats in the Arctic region, which is becoming increasingly critical due to melting ice and the opening of new maritime routes. Greenland appears to be at the center of a new international geopolitical game. The US effort to bring it under its influence, whether through diplomatic pressure or economic and strategic moves, is expected to cause new tensions both in the Arctic and internationally. Russia, with its strategic presence and ongoing development, is carefully watching these developments and is ready to react to any threats to its Arctic sovereignty. Ultimately, the dispute over Greenland highlights the region's importance for control of global geopolitical and economic power, with Russia and the US prepared to invest strategically in the area. The Arctic region, with its dynamics and emerging resources, is surfacing as one of the most critical points on the global geopolitical agenda, with Russia and the US competing for control.

Trump will not hesitate to use military force

Politico, in a recent report, refers to the increase in the US military presence in the Arctic and their strategy to protect interests in the region. According to the report, the US does not rule out the use of military force to achieve its goals if the situation escalates and there are reactions from other powers like Russia or China. Washington seems to view the Arctic as an economic and strategic powder keg of immense importance for global power, both due to natural resources and its strategic position for navigation. Specifically, the US appears to be investing in military technology and infrastructure in the Arctic to ensure its dominance and deter Russian and Chinese expansion. Some US administration officials do not rule out the possibility of military action to prevent or offset the strategy of their competitors. The use of military force, however, is a risk that Donald Trump has highlighted in many public statements. Trump has emphasized the value of American power in the Arctic and has repeatedly mentioned that the US will act if necessary to defend its interests, potentially even with the use of military force.

Trump questions the role of NATO

Beyond the direct strategic presence in the Arctic, Trump has made statements affecting the role of NATO in America's military actions. Trump stated that if America faced an emergency in the Arctic or elsewhere in the world, NATO "probably wouldn't intervene," implying the alliance would not be ready to support the US militarily, even if it were under threat. This statement by Trump is extremely interesting as it demonstrates the president's frustration with NATO's inability to respond immediately to needs and strategic agreements. Trump appears to believe that America has become excessively dependent on the alliance and that, under crisis conditions, it will not receive the expected help. This stance reflects a broader US policy trend where America prefers to depend on its own forces and undertake strategic decisions alone rather than waiting for the active participation of its allies.

www.bankingnews.gr