NATO countries, including the United States, are trying to restrict Russia’s activities in the Arctic using various means while Russia sees its objective in preserving the Arctic as a territory of peace and stable partnership, said Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev during the first meeting of the Interagency Commission on Protecting National Interests in the Arctic.

“We are interested in developing peaceful cooperation in this region. Unfortunately though, there are other examples. We are aware that there are some countries, primarily members of the North Atlantic Alliance, including the United States, that are persistent in their attempts to restrict our activities in the Arctic. The methods used range from building military activity near our borders to sanctions pressure,” Dmitry Medvedev said and added that such actions on behalf of other countries pose a direct threat to Russia’s national security.

Dmitry Medvedev stressed that, despite certain countries’ attempts to destabilize the situation in the Arctic, Russia will continue to protect its positions in the region which has tremendous strategic importance that serves the country’s economic interests and ensures national security.

“This commission is to give momentum to this work – especially in view of the fact that we are actively expanding our presence in the region. We are building major energy projects, developing infrastructure and comfortable housing, dealing with various social issues. Right now, we believe that the tasks set by the President, that is, to preserve the Arctic as a territory of peace, stable and mutually beneficial partnership, are quite feasible,” he noted.