Philenews

A Dire Precedent for Cyprus: From Pentadaktylos to Ukraine-Greenland

Published January 26, 2026, 08:17
A Dire Precedent for Cyprus: From Pentadaktylos to Ukraine-Greenland

Donald Trump is accused of undermining International Law and interstate relations with a policy of hard realism and imposition through strength. He has already intervened in Gaza, is trying to end the war in Ukraine on dubious terms, and is threatening a trade war with Denmark for the acquisition of Greenland. The attempt to acquire Greenland is justified by Trump with the need to protect it from potential influence from Russia and China. The threat to impose 10% tariffs on European products, with a possible increase to 25% if Greenland is not surrendered, has caused outrage in Europe and is leading to a search for countermeasures. German Chancellor Merz has criticized Trump's policy as "pure power politics," pointing to the US's departure from a rules-based order. The crisis in transatlantic relations is considered the worst in decades, to the benefit of Russian President Putin. The analyst expresses doubts about Trump's ability to impose "peace" on Ukraine, warning of a high cost for Ukraine and Europe. The acquisition of Greenland is considered an easy matter for Trump, given the lack of constraints on his power.