No decision has been reached yet on launching a North Pole drifting ice station in 2016, the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Sergei Donskoi, told RIA Novosti.

"Considering the economic challenges, the government has no money for a drifting ice station," Donskoi said.

According to the minister, the federal targeted program World Ocean 2016-2031 was to be launched next year to conduct comprehensive research in the Arctic and Antarctica.

"Actually, this is the only practical tool to maintain and strengthen Russia's systemic presence in these regions. The Russian government approved a concept for the program last summer. But due to the Finance Ministry's position, a 2016 start date is in question," Donskoi said.