Ukraine conflict should not reach the Arctic, warns Russian special envoy -

Moscow: Fierce conflict has been fought between Russia and Ukraine for one month. Although NATO has not directly participated in the conflict, it continues with military deployments in the neighbouring countries of Ukraine and Russia. Russia has warned that the heat of the Ukraine conflict should not be allowed to reach the Arctic region in this scenario. Russia expressed hope that there has to be peace, stability and cooperation in the Arctic region. The repercussions of the tensions in other regions should not be felt in the Arctic region. But it is claimed that the military movements of NATO in the region over the last two weeks are raising concerns.

40 days ago, Russia declared operation against Ukraine. In retaliation, the United States and other western countries imposed stringent sanctions against Russia and even expelled Russia from international organisations. Russia had been expelled even from the Arctic Council, an organisation of countries connected to the Arctic region. These include eight countries, namely the United States, Canada, Finland, Iceland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Russia. Russia’s special envoy Nikolay Korchunov showered strong criticism of Western countries for expelling Russia from the Arctic council.

Established 25 years ago, the Arctic Council is completely an apolitical organisation. Korchunov reminded us that it had been clarified that no military security related issues would not find any place in the Council. Korchunov lashed out while speaking to a US weekly, saying that it is shameful that despite this, repercussions of the Ukraine conflict are being felt in the Arctic council. The Russian special envoy expressed a concern that the expulsion of Russia from the Arctic council could affect the security of the region.

It is claimed that the NATO military movements in the neighbouring countries of Russia following the Russian expulsion from the Arctic Council are the main cause behind this Russian concern. Two weeks ago, NATO held a massive joint exercise near the Arctic region. Cold Response 2022, the exercises held in Norway, while Russia and Ukraine are involved in a conflict, had been welcomed by NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg. Stoltenberg also announced that NATO is an Arctic organisation.

At the same time, Stoltenberg is making solid efforts to enrol Finland and Sweden as members of NATO. Only 24 hours ago, Stoltenberg had indicated the inclusion of Finland and Sweden into NATO. Swedish Prime Minister also had said that Sweden was keen on joining NATO. Russia has expressed annoyance over these NATO activities in the Arctic region. Therefore, Russia has warned that NATO and European countries do not take the Ukraine conflict until the Arctic region.