President Vladimir Putin believes that Russian military presence in the Arctic is absolutely vital, given that the United States is also interested in the region.

“The commander-in-chief really considers Russian military presence in the Arctic to be an absolutely necessary component in the development of military capability. The area of the Arctic is a very important region of the Russian Federation,” stated Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov.

He noted that the region’s economic potential is growing with every year and that there are extensive plans for developing the Arctic region.

Peskov also commented on the Pentagon’s statement expressing concern about the strengthening of Russian military presence in the Arctic.

“As for our American colleagues’ concern, we should not forget in this regard that America has never given up its military presence in the Arctic zone,” said the Presidential Press Secretary. “We have always noticed it and also proceeded from the idea that we should not ignore that critically important region either.”