Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said that any move by the US to place elements of its proposed ‘Golden Dome’ missile defense system in Greenland would trigger military and technical countermeasures from Moscow.
Speaking to journalists at the Russian Embassy in China, Ryabkov said there should be no misunderstanding about Russia’s position.
‘If the United States decides to deploy weapons systems or implement any part of the Golden Dome project in Greenland, Russian experts will be ready to act,’ he said. ‘We will take appropriate military and technical steps.’
Response to Trump’s Remarks
Ryabkov’s statement follows comments made last month by US President Donald Trump, who said discussions were underway regarding the Golden Dome missile defense plan in relation to Greenland. Trump also claimed that a framework for a future agreement had been discussed with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
Russia views such plans as a direct challenge to strategic stability, particularly in a region that holds growing military importance.
Russia is ready for new world with no nuclear limits, senior diplomat says https://t.co/bj25797TwS
— ST Foreign Desk (@STForeignDesk) February 3, 2026
New START Treaty Concerns
Addressing the future of the New START nuclear arms control treaty, Ryabkov said Russia had proposed extending the agreement’s terms for one additional year to allow space for further dialogue. However, he noted that no response has come from Washington.
‘We took all the necessary steps in time,’ he said. ‘Silence itself is also a form of answer.’
Ryabkov added that any revival of talks on strategic security would require the United States to make fundamental changes in its foreign policy approach toward Russia.
Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia s Security Council, has said that if the New START treaty expires with no replacement, the world should be alarmed that the biggest nuclear powers will have no limits for the first time since the 1970s.
— The Independent (@Independent) February 3, 2026
He also warned the hands on the… pic.twitter.com/RTqRwSLgex
Despite the treaty’s collapse, he stressed that Russia does not intend to enter a new nuclear arms race.
Global Security at Risk
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov described the end of the New START treaty as an extremely dangerous moment for the world. He warned that without formal limits, the two largest nuclear powers would be left without binding restraints, increasing risks to global security.
The New START treaty was signed in 2010 by former US President Barack Obama and then Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. It capped strategic nuclear warheads at 1,550 for each side and imposed strict limits on long-range missiles and heavy bombers.
Arms control experts warn that the treaty’s end not only removes these limits but also weakens trust, transparency, and verification mechanisms, raising fears of an unrestricted nuclear buildup.
Greenland in Strategic Focus
Russia reiterated that it would not hesitate to respond if the US deploys missile defense systems or military equipment in Greenland. The Arctic territory, while autonomous, remains part of Denmark and has drawn increased attention due to its strategic location.
President Trump has previously expressed interest in acquiring Greenland for national security reasons, a suggestion firmly rejected by Denmark, Greenland, and several European allies.
As global tensions rise, Greenland’s role in future military planning is becoming a sensitive fault line one that could shape the balance of power in the years ahead.
