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Russia may spend $4.27 billion on Arctic exploration — deputy PM

Securing the region’s development, implementing global transport, energy and industrial projects and addressing national security issues will be accompanied by preservation of unique Arctic ecosystems

MOSCOW, April 14. /TASS/. Russian Vice-Premier Dmitry Rogozin has estimated the budget of Russia’s Arctic programs for the coming five years at $4.27 billion.

"The total amount of financing of the sectoral programs in 2015-2020 should amount to about 222 billion rubles ($4.27 billion), including nearly 160 billion rubles ($3.08 billion) paid from the federal budget," Rogozin told the State Commission for Development of the Arctic Region.

According to the vice-premier, even a preliminary analysis of these programs shows that the problems of sustainable development of the region and protection of Russia’s national security in the Arctic are being resolved "fragmentarily and haphazardly." Moreover, the list of policy measures doesn’t cover the whole spectrum of tasks outlined by the government.

"Securing the region’s social and economic development, implementing global transport, energy and industrial projects and addressing national security issues will be accompanied by preservation of the unique Arctic ecosystem, protection of the legitimate interests of the local population, including of the indigenous minorities," Rogozin said.