Vladislav Maslennikov, director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Department of European Affairs, on Saturday accused NATO countries of strengthening their military presence and intensifying exercises in the Arctic recently, describing the pace of these moves as rapid and unjustified.
Moscow criticises NATO’s military build-up
Maslennikov said: “Recently, NATO member states have been rapidly and unjustifiably strengthening their military presence and intensifying exercises in the Arctic.” Moscow regards these activities as a threat to its national security in the region, while the alliance says its military moves are defensive in nature. The Russian diplomat said the alliance launched a permanent mission called “Polar Guardian” in February this year.
Russia says it has observed increased NATO activity in the Arctic in recent years. The disagreement between Moscow and the alliance reflects differing descriptions of the nature of the military moves: Russia views them as a threat to its security, while NATO presents them as defensive activities.
