Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council Dmitry Medvedev responded with irony to statements by US President Donald Trump about Greenland, suggesting that Washington might be running out of time. If Trump hesitates too long, Medvedev hinted, events on the island could take an unexpected turn.

In a tongue-in-cheek comment published on the Max platform, Medvedev floated the idea that an unannounced referendum could suddenly be held in Greenland. According to his sarcastic scenario, the island’s roughly 55,000 residents might vote to join Russia, which would leave the United States empty-handed and add a new, 90th federal subject to the Russian Federation. His remarks were clearly framed as mockery, aimed at highlighting what he sees as the absurdity of the discussion surrounding Greenland’s future.

Greenland is formally part of the Kingdom of Denmark, yet Trump has repeatedly argued that the island should belong to the United States, citing its strategic importance for American national security. At the same time, the US president has avoided giving clear answers when asked whether the use of military force to gain control over Greenland is off the table, or whether the island matters more to him than preserving NATO unity.

Copenhagen and the authorities in Greenland have responded by warning Washington against any attempts to seize the territory, stressing that they expect their territorial integrity to be respected. In January, European Union countries also discussed potential responses in case US rhetoric toward Greenland were to move beyond words and become a real threat.

Historically, Greenland was a Danish colony until 1953. Today it remains within the Danish kingdom, but since 2009 the island has enjoyed broad autonomy, including self-government and the right to independently manage its internal affairs.