MURMANSK, March 28. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin said cooperation in the Arctic Region has gotten complicated due to the West’s choice for confrontation with Russia.
"Regrettably, international cooperation in northern latitudes is going through difficult times. Over the past few years, many Western countries have chosen the path of confrontation, severed economic ties with Russia and cut contacts in education and culture. The dialogue on preservation of Arctic ecosystems has ceased," Putin told the plenary session of the Arctic - Territory of Dialogue forum.
Putin went on to say that certain Western politicians and party leaders flaunt their green agenda and environmental concerns, but "do quite the opposite in reality."
The president recalled that the Arctic Council was established for environmental protection, as well as disaster prevention and response.
"But this mechanism has also deteriorated by now. Russia has not rejected this format of cooperation, it was the choice of our Western partners," he said. "We will work with those who want it.".