Russia warns NATO of possible response to Arctic drills

According to RIA Novosti on September 20, in an interview for the documentary project "Soviet Breakthrough", Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Russia sees NATO increasing exercises related to crises in the Arctic and is ready to protect its interests, including militarily.

“We see that NATO is intensifying exercises related to possible crises in the Arctic. Our country is fully ready to defend its interests in the military, political and military-technical spheres,” the Russian Foreign Minister warned.

The US Department of Defense in July announced the latest revisions to the Arctic Strategy.of the Fifth FloorCorner. Accordingly, it is planned to conduct military exercises in the Arctic and with allies to demonstrate combat capabilities, as well as interoperability. In addition, according to the document, the US intends to cooperate with partners and allies in the Arctic, as well as industrial companies and local tribes.in Alaskato enhance deterrence in the region.

According to the strategy, the US and its allies plan to field more than 250 modern multi-role combat aircraft capable of conducting operations in the region by 2030.

Russian presidential aide Nikolai Patrushev said in September that Washington and its allies were escalating the situation along Russia’s borders, constantly testing the country’s defense capabilities. According to Patrushev, Washington has outlined a roadmap to militarize the Arctic and hinder Russia’s economic activities in the northern latitudes.