On August 13 (Moscow time), according to Xinhua news agency, Mr. Vladislav Maslennikov, Director of the European Affairs Department of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, warned that NATO is militarizing the Arctic and strengthening its attack capabilities near Russia's northern border.
Speaking at the 4th Arctic Regions Forum in Arkhangelsk city, Mr. Maslennikov said that NATO regularly organizes large-scale exercises in the region, including attack scenario drills.
Large-scale exercises are regularly held in the region, including attack scenario drills, and NATO non-Arctic member states are also actively participating in these activities," he said.
Russian officials believe that increased military activity is changing the security environment in the Arctic. He also affirmed that efforts to resolve regional issues without Russia's involvement will not yield results.
According to Mr. Maslennikov, Moscow will continue to promote peace and stability in the Arctic.
NATO deploys Arctic Sentry operation
In February, NATO deployed Arctic Sentry, a multi-sectoral military vigilance enhancement operation to coordinate surveillance, forces and exercises throughout the Arctic and Arctic regions.
Previously, NATO expanded the scope of responsibility of the Norfolk Joint Forces Command, including Denmark, Finland and Sweden. This move reflects the alliance's growing focus on Arctic and North Atlantic security.
Finland and Sweden joined NATO in 2023 and 2024 respectively, significantly changing the security landscape in Northern Europe. The Arctic is also increasingly of strategic importance to NATO and Russia due to its geographical location, maritime routes and resources in the region.
Russia wants to maintain regional stability
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko once emphasized that the Arctic needs to continue to be a region with low levels of tension and said that Russia is taking measures to maintain this goal.
Mr. Mikhail Kuznetsov, Director of the Russian Eastern State Planning Center, said that Russia's Arctic region development strategy to 2050 is expected to be approved at the end of the summer.
NATO's increased military activity and Russia's simultaneous promotion of development plans in the Arctic are taking place in the context that the region is increasingly valued by all parties in terms of security, economy and transportation.
