The NATO bloc, led by the United States, sees the Arctic as a region for future conflicts and is actively training troops to operate in the far north, said Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Speaking at the Arctic International Forum in Murmansk on Thursday, he declared that Russia would do its best to support its national interests and sovereignty in the region.
The number of Russian forces deployed in the Arctic will increase to address the growing challenges there, said Putin.
“Of course, we are concerned by the fact that NATO countries, in general, are increasingly designating the far north as a bridge for possible conflicts, practicing the use of troops in these conditions, including their new recruits from Finland and Sweden,” he said.
Moscow has “closely monitored” the situation in the region and taken “appropriate measures” by enhancing the combat capabilities of the armed forces and modernizing military infrastructure facilities, explained the Russian president.
