NATO’s Arctic moves pose ‘direct threat’ to Russia, Lavrov says

Russia has described NATO’s expanding presence in the Arctic as a direct security threat, warning that military activity in the far north could lead to an armed confrontation with catastrophic consequences.

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov made the comments in an article published by Russia’s Foreign Ministry. He called NATO military exercises in the region “aggressive” and said the risks of incidents were increasing.

NATO launched a mission called Arctic Sentry in February to strengthen its presence in the far north. The move came as tensions between the alliance and Russia grew following Moscow’s war on Ukraine, while US President Donald Trump pushed for the acquisition of Greenland.

Russia treats the Arctic as a sphere of interest and maintains a naval fleet there that includes nuclear-armed submarines. Moscow is also developing a shipping route linking the region with Asian countries. Russia has the largest military presence and the most extensive military infrastructure in the Arctic.

Norway, which borders Russia, expanded an Arctic military brigade this month. China has also increased its activity in the mineral-rich region, mostly in partnership with Moscow. Russia has previously rejected allegations that it threatens NATO.

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Such military activity in the Far North poses direct threats to Russia’s security. The risks of incidents that could trigger an armed confrontation, with potentially catastrophic consequences, are increasing