Russia warns NATO against ignoring Moscow's interests in Arctic

Russia has warned that it will respond to any attempts by NATO countries to disregard its interests in the Arctic, according to Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova.

Speaking about growing Western activity in the region during a briefing, Zakharova criticised the Arctic Sentinel mission, saying that European NATO members were seeking to demonstrate to the United States their willingness to take a leading role in safeguarding what she described as the collective West’s interests in the Arctic, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media. 

She also suggested that the initiative was intended to show Washington that European allies believed they could independently defend Greenland against perceived threats from Russia and China.

Zakharova characterised such rhetoric as a provocation by Western states, accusing them of attempting to impose their own order in the Arctic. She warned that European capitals pursuing what she described as the “militarisation of the region” should be aware that efforts to escalate tensions in the High North and undermine the security of an Arctic state — referring to Russia — would carry serious consequences.

The spokesperson also said that Moscow supports Beijing in rejecting allegations linking Russia and China to the recent escalation surrounding Greenland. She stated that claims about supposed Russian or Chinese activity near Greenland being used to justify rising tensions were unacceptable.

Zakharova added that any disagreements concerning Greenland should be resolved through negotiations conducted in line with international law and with consideration for the interests of the island’s population. She argued that the situation around Greenland highlighted what she described as inconsistencies in the Western approach to the international order.

US President Donald Trump has repeately reaffirmed his intent on pursuing control over Greenland, a stance driven by strategic concerns over Russia and China and the island’s untapped mineral reserves.

By Sabina Mammadli