Russia prepares to protect its Arctic interests

Despite there being no direct military threats in the Arctic region at present, Moscow is preparing to face any possible challenges within the region, Russia's Foreign Ministry said Tuesday.

"There are no challenges now in the Arctic region that have a military nature and need solutions through use of force," the ministry said in an online statement.

However, it added that Russia closely follows the increasing activities of NATO collaborating with "nonaligned countries" near Russia's Extreme North.

Should the West try to incite confrontations in the Arctic, Moscow will strengthen its constructive international cooperation and counteract without politicizing Arctic issues, the statement said.

The ministry warned that Russia may use all of the means at its disposal to secure its national interests, such as to extend its continental shelf in the Arctic Ocean.

Meanwhile, the ministry urged related countries to collectively solve problems in the region through international laws and, in particular, under the framework of the Arctic Council.

Russia has reiterated its readiness to protect its Arctic interests by all available means.

In May, President Vladimir Putin said Russia has been increasing its military presence and speeding up the modernization of the military infrastructure in the Arctic region.

In February, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Russia did not rule out protecting its national interests in the Arctic with military means. Endi