North Korea Greenland NATO Rift 2026: Pyongyang Exploits Transatlantic Tensions

Silent on Caracas, vocal on Nuuk. While North Korea has remained unusually quiet regarding the recent arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, it's aggressively highlighting the deepening rift between the U.S. and its NATO allies over Greenland. In January 2026 alone, state media has covered the issue more than 12 times, signaling a tactical shift in Pyongyang's geopolitical messaging.

Pyongyang's Strategic Shift: Indirect Assault on Washington

There's a notable change in tone. Instead of launching direct verbal attacks, the Rodong Sinmun is now citing European officials to criticize American policy. By echoing the frustrations of the French foreign minister and the Danish prime minister, North Korea is indirectly slamming the U.S. as a 'war machine' that infringes upon the interests of its 'puppets' whenever convenient. This moderate rhetoric suggests Pyongyang is playing a waiting game, observing the fallout from the Axis of Upheaval.

The Greenland Crisis and NATO’s Integrity

The friction stems from President Donald Trump's demand to acquire Greenland. Transatlantic relations soured after Trump threatened 10% tariffs on eight European countries opposing the deal. Although the threats were later walked back, the alarm bells in Europe continue to ring. North Korea's top diplomat, Choe Son Hui, has previously characterized the U.S.-Europe relationship as a 'tragicomedy,' clearly enjoying the spectacle of NATO cohesion eroding.