Russia Accused of Orchestrating Disinformation Campaign Targeting Greenland and Transatlantic Relations
COPENHAGEN – Danish intelligence authorities have formally accused Russia of orchestrating a sophisticated disinformation campaign designed to sow discord between Denmark and the United States, exploiting sensitivities surrounding the autonomous territory of Greenland. The campaign, which unfolded in January, centered around fabricated social media posts falsely claiming that Danish lawmaker Karsten Honge sought Russian assistance to prevent a hypothetical US annexation of Greenland. These posts included a manipulated image purporting to show a Facebook post by Honge, which the parliamentarian swiftly denounced as "fake news."
The Danish Defence Intelligence Service (FE) asserted that the campaign originated with a social media influencer known for promoting pro-Russian narratives related to the conflict in Ukraine. Collaborating with the French anti-disinformation agency, Viginum, the FE identified this influencer as part of a broader network operating on behalf of the Russian state. This network’s activities align with a broader Russian strategy aimed at fracturing the transatlantic alliance and eroding Western support for Ukraine, according to Danish intelligence.
The fabricated social media posts played on pre-existing anxieties surrounding Greenland’s status. In 2019, former US President Donald Trump expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, citing security concerns. His remarks, including a refusal to rule out the use of force, strained US-Danish relations and fueled speculation about Greenland’s future. While the disinformation campaign coincided with Greenland’s March elections, the FE believes its primary objective was not to influence the electoral outcome, but rather to exploit existing tensions and amplify divisions within the transatlantic partnership.
The Russian strategy of utilizing disinformation to achieve geopolitical objectives is well-documented. By disseminating fabricated narratives through social media and other channels, Russia seeks to manipulate public opinion, sow discord among allies, and undermine trust in democratic institutions. This incident involving Greenland highlights the vulnerability of even seemingly peripheral issues to exploitation within the context of broader geopolitical rivalries.
This specific disinformation campaign fits a pattern of Russian activity aimed at destabilizing the Arctic region. Greenland’s strategic location and vast natural resources make it a focal point of increasing geopolitical interest. Russia’s efforts to sow discord between Denmark and the US regarding Greenland serve to weaken Western influence in the Arctic while simultaneously advancing Russia’s own strategic ambitions in the region.
The incident underscores the growing importance of combating disinformation and strengthening resilience against foreign interference. International cooperation, such as the collaboration between Danish and French intelligence agencies in this case, is crucial for identifying and exposing these campaigns. Furthermore, fostering media literacy and critical thinking among citizens is essential to mitigating the impact of disinformation and safeguarding democratic processes. This latest incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenge posed by disinformation in the digital age and the need for continued vigilance in countering such threats.