Brussels, Belgium – Russian Ambassador to Belgium Denis Gonchar warned that the significant increase in NATO military activity
in the Arctic poses a direct threat to stability and could transform this sensitive region into
an arena of open military conflict, given what he described as the alliance’s “systematic escalation” policies.
In remarks carried by Russian media, the ambassador stated that the Arctic had been, for decades,
an area of relative international cooperation based on balance, dialogue,
and respect for mutual interests. However, he asserted that this reality is now rapidly eroding due to NATO’s military expansion,
increased maneuvers, and the deployment of military infrastructure near Russia’s borders.
The ambassador added that the alliance countries, especially after Finland and Sweden joined NATO,
are militarizing the Arctic in an unprecedented way, by strengthening the military presence and conducting large-scale combat exercises,
which raises the level of risks and increases the likelihood of military incidents with unforeseen consequences.
The ambassador affirmed that Russia views the Arctic as a region of special strategic, economic,
and environmental importance, emphasizing that Moscow is committed to protecting
its national security and legitimate interests in the region and will take the necessary measures to respond to any potential threats.
The ambassador noted that his country is not seeking escalation,
but believes that NATO’s current policies undermine confidence-building measures, close doors to dialogue,
and promote a logic of confrontation rather than cooperation.
He warned that the continuation of this approach could destabilize regional and international security.
The Russian ambassador called on NATO countries to reconsider their policies in the Arctic,
return to the path of dialogue and international coordination,
and respect the peaceful nature of the region, stressing that security cannot be achieved through military buildups,
but rather through understanding and adherence to international law.
