MOSCOW, December 18. /TASS/. Russia’s primary task is to maintain control over its northern territories, including the Arctic shelf, said aide to the Russian president and head of the Maritime Board Nikolay Patrushev.

"Given the current military and political situation, the Arctic is becoming increasingly critical for Russia. Both for strengthening our country's international position and for its domestic development," he said at a meeting of the Maritime Board.

"Speeding up the economic and infrastructural development of the Arctic zone, maintaining our country's undeniable control over the Arctic territory, as well as the shelf and the Northern Sea Route are the most important tasks, which ensure national interests and security in the Arctic."

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