Spain's PM Sánchez: Any U.S. Move on Greenland Would 'Make Putin the Happiest Man in the World'

MADRID — Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez warned that any U.S. military action targeting Greenland would play directly into Russian President Vladimir Putin’s hands and risk deep damage to NATO.

In an interview with La Vanguardia published on Sunday, Sánchez said a U.S. invasion or use of force against Denmark’s vast Arctic territory would have grave geopolitical consequences. 'If we focus on Greenland, I have to say that a U.S. invasion of that territory would make Vladimir Putin the happiest man in the world,' he said. 'Why? Because it would legitimise his attempted invasion of Ukraine.'

'If the United States were to use force, it would be the death knell for NATO. Putin would be doubly happy,' Sánchez added.

The comments followed a post by former U.S. President Donald Trump on Truth Social suggesting Washington would impose escalating tariffs on several European allies until the United States was permitted to purchase Greenland. Trump said an additional 10% tariff on imports from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland and Great Britain would take effect on February 1, rising to 25% on June 1, and remain until a deal was reached.

Greenland is an autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark. Leaders in Copenhagen and Nuuk have repeatedly said the island is not for sale and have rejected proposals that it join the United States.

Reporting by Graham Keeley; Editing by Elaine Hardcastle.