a statement by the Deputy assistant Secretary of state for European Affairs and Eurasian Affairs Michael Murphy that Russia is increasing its military presence in the Arctic and is “beyond defence”, Deputy Chairman of the Duma Committee on defence Yury Shvydkin called the attempt to find a reason to increase the military potential of the NATO countries in the region. And it is, “unfortunately, there is,” said Switchin.
the MP stressed that Russia’s actions are not a violation and shall be implemented in accordance with international law. The defense potential of the Russian Federation in the Arctic, and the prospects of building an adequate increase of the military potential of the NATO countries in the area, he added.
“however, we must go its own way, by providing defense from the Northern part of our state. The Arctic zone is a zone of our national interests”, — quotes the words Svitkina RIA Novosti.
Earlier, a senior official of the Arctic Council from Russia, the Ambassador-at-large Ministry of foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Nikolay Korchunov has said that Russia is concerned about the growth of activity of NATO in the Arctic.