Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Monday that Moscow intends to respond firmly to any hostile or unfriendly acts targeting it, explaining that its responses could be asymmetrical and that Russia would use the means available to protect its national interests when necessary, while remaining committed to constructive dialogue.
Lavrov made the statement in an article titled “International Cooperation in the Arctic: Challenges and Opportunities,” published by the news website Arctic.ru. He also addressed the Arctic region’s place among his country’s priorities and areas of international cooperation there.
Russia prefers constructive dialogue in various regions of the world, but sanctions and threats will not achieve their goals in dealing with Moscow.
Growing strategic importance
Lavrov said the Arctic’s strategic importance to Russia’s national interests and national security would grow, stressing that Moscow would continue developing its high-latitude regions and infrastructure in its Arctic territory in accordance with Russian legislation and national development goals.
According to the Russian minister, climate change and melting ice are making navigational and logistical access to Arctic resources and routes easier. He said the region plays a role in sustaining global trade links, particularly amid disruptions affecting supply chains and international maritime straits.
Priority areas of cooperation
Lavrov said Russia was open to cooperation in the Arctic with partners willing to work on the basis of equality and mutual benefit.
