At the International Arctic Forum on March 27, Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized Russia’s commitment to defending its interests in the Arctic.
He accused NATO member states of using the region as a potential conflict foothold, citing ongoing military drills by NATO in the area. Putin reaffirmed that Russia has never threatened anyone in the Arctic but warned that the country would respond to actions it perceives as a challenge to its sovereignty.
Putin also referenced U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated calls for Greenland to become part of the U.S., calling it a significant historical issue. Despite Greenland’s rejection of this idea, Putin asserted that the U.S. would continue to push its geopolitical, military, and economic interests in the Arctic.
He stressed that the growing NATO presence in the region is a concern for Russia, as it views the Arctic as an area of strategic importance.
