Russia Accuses West of Pursuing Confrontational Policy in Arctic Region

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, the Russian Embassy in Denmark strongly reacted to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) document, dubbed the “Arctic Guardian,” emphasizing that the West is actively pursuing a confrontational approach in the Arctic instead of pursuing cooperation and reducing regional tensions. This condemnation comes amid growing geopolitical interest in the vast northern expanse.

The Arctic region has transformed into a central arena for intensifying competition among global powers, including Russia, China, and the United States. This rivalry is fueled by the region’s strategic importance, its untapped natural resources, and newly viable transportation corridors. Nations are currently engaged in a race to develop critical infrastructure projects and expand their fleets of icebreakers, raising concerns that the area could become a flashpoint for future conflicts.

The Arctic, situated around the North Pole, encompasses portions of Eurasia and North America, primarily covering the Arctic Ocean. Covering an area of approximately 27 million square kilometers, the region holds immense reserves of energy, strategic and rare earth minerals. Furthermore, its waters support significant biological resources, including over 150 species of fish.

Currently, five nations hold primary oversight over the Arctic: Russia, Norway, Denmark, Canada, and the United States. Iceland, Sweden, and Finland, which are members of the Arctic Council despite lacking direct access to the Arctic Ocean, are geographically situated near the Arctic Circle and maintain a strong regional presence.