Vladimir Putin’s right-hand man has mocked Sir Keir Starmer’s response to threats made by Donald Trump. Kirill Dmitriev, the head of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund and the Ukraine negotiator, suggested that the Prime Minister had panicked in his response to the threat of tariffs if the UK opposes Trump’s Greenland plans.
The Kremlin’s envoy in peace talks with Washington took to X to mock Starmer’s defence of the decision to send a British Army officer to Greenland. He said: “Panicking Starmer calls Daddy’s tariffs ‘completely wrong.” Putin’s crony then went on to allege that the levies showed that the “Leftist, globalist EU/UK elites failed”.
Dmitriev is one of several influential Russians who regularly use social media, in particular X, to goad and mock European leaders.
He has also accused the UK of interfering in US elections, suggesting that it could be a factor in the tariff threat.
Yesterday evening, Donald Trump said the UK and other nations which have sent military officers to Greenland were “playing this very dangerous game” as he imposed tariffs.
In a statement on his Truth Social network, Mr Trump said: “We have subsidised Denmark, and all of the Countries of the European Union, and others, for many years by not charging them Tariffs, or any other forms of remuneration.
He added: “These Countries, who are playing this very dangerous game, have put a level of risk in play that is not tenable or sustainable.
“Therefore, it is imperative that, in order to protect Global Peace and Security, strong measures be taken so that this potentially perilous situation end quickly, and without question.
“Starting on February 1st, 2026, all of the above mentioned Countries (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, The United Kingdom, The Netherlands, and Finland), will be charged a 10% Tariff on any and all goods sent to the United States of America. On June 1st, 2026, the Tariff will be increased to 25%.
“This Tariff will be due and payable until such time as a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland.”
In response, Sir Keir said: “Our position on Greenland is very clear – it is part of the Kingdom of Denmark and its future is a matter for the Greenlanders and the Danes.
“We have also made clear that Arctic Security matters for the whole of Nato and allies should all do more together to address the threat from Russia across different parts of the Arctic.
“Applying tariffs on allies for pursuing the collective security of NATO allies is completely wrong. We will of course be pursuing this directly with the US administration.”
