Trump: Europe should focus on Ukraine rather than Greenland

US President Donald Trump has advised Europe to focus on the Russo-Ukrainian war instead of Greenland.

In the phone interview with NBC News, Trump criticised European leaders who are resisting his efforts to gain control over Greenland.

"Europe ought to focus on the war with Russia and Ukraine because, frankly, you see what that's gotten them. That's what Europe should focus on – not Greenland."

When asked whether he would impose tariffs on European countries if no agreement on Greenland is reached, Trump replied: "I will, 100%."

The US president refused to answer a question about whether he would use force to seize the island.

In the same interview, Trump also rejected the view that Norway has no influence over the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize.

"Norway totally controls it despite what they say," he told NBC News.

Earlier, Bloomberg reported that Trump had sent a letter to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, in which he linked his statements about intending to take control of Greenland to the fact that he had not been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

On 17 January, Trump announced the introduction of tariffs against a number of countries that oppose his stance on Greenland.

Before that, Denmark sent military equipment and an advance military unit to Greenland to prepare for the arrival of larger army forces and other allied units for military exercises. Several countries have also deployed their troops.