Russia’s fake news campaign targets U.S.-Denmark tensions over Greenland

Bloomberg reported that a network acting on behalf of the Russian government disseminated a false story on social media, claiming that a Danish member of parliament had stated that Denmark sought Russia's help to prevent the semi-autonomous territory from joining the U.S. The agency described this campaign as part of a broader effort to “sow discord” in the transatlantic relationship and undermine Western support for Ukraine.

The Russian government did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment from Bloomberg.

This operation took place in January, amid a growing diplomatic spat between Denmark and the U.S. after former President Donald Trump expressed his desire to take control of Greenland. 

In February, the Danish police intelligence service noted that the heightened debate over Greenland had resulted in an increase in misinformation and warned of potential influence operations ahead of the island’s election in March. However, it later clarified that the vote occurred “without any prepared, systematic, or coordinated influence campaigns by foreign intelligence services.”

• Russian propaganda is actively spreading fake news aimed at justifying Russia’s massive nighttime strikes on civilians in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities.