Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has issued a stark warning that any U.S. military action or forced takeover of Greenland — an autonomous territory of Denmark — “would make Vladimir Putin the happiest man on earth.” The comment, made in an interview with La Vanguardia newspaper published on January 18, 2026, comes amid escalating tensions over President Donald Trump’s renewed push to acquire the vast Arctic island.
Here are striking images from recent protests in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, where thousands rallied against U.S. annexation threats:
Sánchez emphasized that a U.S. invasion would deliver a double blow to the West: it would legitimize Russia’s invasion of Ukraine by setting a precedent for territorial grabs, and it would sound the “death knell for NATO.” He stated:
“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. Because it would legitimize 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.”
The remarks follow Trump’s Truth Social post on January 17, where he vowed to impose escalating tariffs on European allies — including Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, and the UK — starting at 10% on February 1 and rising to 25% on June 1, unless a deal is reached for the U.S. to purchase Greenland outright.
These images show President Trump at a recent event, underscoring his persistent interest in Greenland’s strategic Arctic position and resources:
Trump has repeatedly insisted he will settle for nothing less than ownership of Greenland, citing national security, resource access, and NATO’s role in countering Russian threats in the region. Denmark and Greenland have firmly rejected the idea, with Greenland’s leadership and public opinion overwhelmingly opposed to any sale or annexation.
European leaders have responded sharply. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned that “China and Russia must be having a field day” amid the divisions. Other allies condemned the tariff threats as “blackmail,” and the EU is considering retaliatory measures.
The controversy has also raised questions about NATO’s unity, with Sánchez’s comments highlighting fears that unilateral U.S. actions could fracture the alliance at a time when support for Ukraine remains critical.
Public reactions are polarized: some in the U.S. see Greenland as strategically vital amid Arctic competition, while Europeans and Greenlanders view the pressure as a violation of sovereignty. Protests in Nuuk and diplomatic emergency meetings in Brussels underscore the crisis.
In summary, Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez’s blunt assessment frames a potential U.S. move on Greenland as a gift to Putin — legitimizing aggression and weakening NATO. As tariff threats loom and European allies unite in resistance, the standoff could reshape transatlantic relations in 2026.