Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said his country may consider protecting its national interests in the resources-rich Arctic with military means if necessary.
“The constant military presence in the Arctic and a possibility to protect the state’s interests by the military means are regarded as an integral part of the general policy to guarantee national security,” Shoigu told a Ministry of Defense meeting on February 25.
See also: Russian military to defend Arctic oil and gas reserves
“It’s not a secret that the Arctic is turning into one of the world centers for producing hydrocarbons and is an important junction for transport communications,”he said. “Some developed countries that don’t have direct access to the polar regions obstinately strive for the Arctic, taking certain political and military steps in that direction,” Shoigu added.
He also noted that countries that are adjacent to the Arctic are all trying to expand their presence.
To be prepared for any threat, brand new Russian submarines have been rehearsing actions in the glacial conditions of the north since the beginning of this year.
“To secure the safety of navigation on the Northern Sea Route and of the response to possible threats in the Arctic region, a force grouping has been increased at the Chukotski Peninsula,”Shoigu said.
While Russian President Vladimir Putin has publicly said his country isn’t interested in escalating its Arctic military capabilities, he has highlighted the Arctic’s strategic importance and Russia’s determination to defend its interests.
http://www.neurope.eu/article/russian-military-could-protect-interests-arctic