Russian Ambassador to Denmark Vladimir Barbin told RIA Novosti on Jan. 10 that the U.S. is building airport infrastructure in Greenland for F-35 fighters capable of carrying nuclear weapons. According to the machine-translation from the Russian, Barbin told RIA:
“‘The U.S. military space base Pituffik (former Thule) located on the island is today an element of the U.S. early warning system for missile attacks from the Arctic. It is undergoing a comprehensive modernization, including a radar, costing billions of U.S. dollars. An airfield infrastructure for F-35 fighters, which are capable of carrying nuclear weapons, is also being created there. Such fighters have already used the airfield of the base during U.S. Air Force exercises,’ he said. …
“‘Russia is in favor of strengthening stability in the Arctic. This is only possible on the basis of building an international security system that is equal for all Arctic states,’ Barbin emphasized.
The diplomat also noted that the approach of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to Greenland is fraught with the degradation of the situation in the region. Trump’s desire to gain control over the island indicates an unwillingness to strengthen stability and develop dialogue in the Arctic, Barbin believes. Russia will take this into account in its military planning, he warned,” wrote RIA Novosti.
