Russia has issued a sharp warning to European countries following U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of new tariffs on eight European nations amid tensions over Greenland. On Saturday, Kirill Dmitriev, the Russian president’s special envoy and head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, said Europe should not “provoke their father.” His comments came after Trump declared a 10 percent tariff on imports from the United Kingdom, Denmark, France, Germany, Finland, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden, citing national security concerns linked to Greenland.
According to Dmitriev, the tariffs were imposed in response to European military involvement in Greenland, claiming that roughly one percent duty was applied per soldier sent. Trump stated that the tariffs would take effect on February 1 and rise to 25 percent on June 1, remaining in place until a full agreement is reached over the “complete purchase” of Greenland. He argued that U.S. control of the Arctic territory is essential for national security.
The dispute underscores renewed geopolitical friction over Greenland’s strategic importance, drawing in both European and Russian commentary following Washington’s tariff escalation.