Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin has reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to defending its interests in the Arctic while expressing openness to cooperation with international partners, including Western nations, on economic projects that would benefit all sides.
Speaking on Thursday, Putin acknowledged the growing geopolitical competition in the Arctic, highlighting the United States’ strategic ambitions in the region. He referenced US President Donald Trump’s previous interest in acquiring Greenland, calling it a serious matter that underscores Washington’s continued focus on expanding its influence in the far north. However, he stressed that the Greenland issue does not concern Russia directly.
The Russian leader voiced concerns over NATO’s increasing military presence in the Arctic, particularly following the accession of Finland and Sweden to the alliance. He noted that NATO states were using the region as a staging ground for military exercises, a development Moscow is closely monitoring. In response, Russia is bolstering its own military capabilities in the Arctic to safeguard its sovereignty and national interests, Putin stated.
While Russia continues to enhance its Arctic presence, it remains open to collaboration with international partners. The Kremlin has suggested that cooperation between Moscow and Washington in developing the Arctic’s natural resources could be mutually beneficial.
The Arctic has become an arena for economic and military competition, with its untapped reserves of fossil fuels and minerals gaining prominence as climate change makes them more accessible. Russia has significantly expanded its presence in the region, reopening Soviet-era bases and modernizing its naval fleet at a faster pace than Western nations.
Meanwhile, the United States views the Arctic as a critical component of its national security, particularly in relation to early-warning systems for potential nuclear threats.
