Danish officials have indicated the possibility of confiscating the property of the Russian Embassy in Copenhagen, as reported by Russia’s Ambassador to Denmark through state media on Tuesday.
Ambassador Vladimir Barbin expressed to the state-run news agency TASS that “Copenhagen’s relentless pursuit of confrontation with Moscow… renders the establishment of normal relations with Denmark unfeasible.”
He noted that securing and renewing diplomatic staff accreditation, accessing banking services, and conducting repairs at the embassy have become exceedingly challenging.
In 2023, the Danish Foreign Ministry mandated a reduction in personnel at the Russian embassy in Copenhagen. This decision came after Denmark itself had to scale down its staff at the Moscow embassy due to unsuccessful negotiations regarding visa arrangements for Danish diplomats.
Consequently, these personnel reductions compelled Russia to shut down its trade mission in Copenhagen.
On Tuesday, Ambassador Barbin remarked that Denmark’s “oppressive measures” were hindering the operations of the Russian Science and Culture Center.
Additionally, Barbin revealed to TASS that the mayor’s office in Copenhagen was threatening to reclaim the land where the Russian diplomatic buildings are located.
The Moscow Times reached out to the Danish Foreign Ministry for feedback.
These remarks occur concurrently with U.S. President Donald Trump intensifying his rhetoric regarding the acquisition of Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark. Trump has alleged that China and Russia pose a direct threat to the Arctic region, a claim that Danish officials dispute.
While the Kremlin acknowledges Greenland as part of Denmark, it has also been careful with its phrasing to avoid provoking Trump regarding the territorial issue.
“Setting aside the discussion on the merits or legality of such a move… Trump would undoubtedly leave a mark in history if he successfully acquires Greenland,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated to reporters on Monday.
Peskov did not provide any remarks in response to inquiries about Trump’s assertions of a “Russian threat” to Greenland.
