Russian President Vladimir Putin took a swipe at U.S. ambitions in the Arctic on Thursday, claiming President Donald Trump’s push for Greenland is just the latest chapter in America’s long game for the mineral-laden territory.

Speaking at a policy forum in the Arctic port of Murmansk, Putin traced U.S. interest back to the 19th century, noting a post-WWII bid to buy the Danish-controlled island. “It’s no surprise—just systematic U.S. strategy,” he said, framing it as a grab for geostrategic and economic clout.

Trump’s Greenland fixation has ruffled NATO ally Denmark and sparked local backlash, with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance’s planned Friday visit to a Greenland military base scaled back amid uproar. Putin, meanwhile, voiced alarm over NATO’s Arctic flexing—especially with Finland and Sweden now in the fold—vowing to bolster Russia’s military muscle and modernize infrastructure in response. “We’ve never threatened anyone here, but we won’t stand idle,” he warned.

With polar ice melting, the Arctic’s untapped oil and gas—possibly a quarter of the planet’s reserves—have drawn Russia, the U.S., Canada, Denmark, Norway, and even China into a high-stakes race.

Putin pledged to shield Russia’s sovereignty while dangling the prospect of international cooperation, hinting at joint ventures with “friendly” nations—and maybe the West, “if they come around.” Kirill Dmitriev, Putin’s investment envoy, echoed the call for U.S.-Russia energy tie-ups. For now, though, the Arctic’s chill is heating up fast.