ARKHANGELSK, August 13. /TASS/. Under the pretext of "mythical threats from the East," NATO is militarizing the Arctic region and intensively strengthening its offensive capabilities along Russia’s northern borders, Russian Foreign Ministry's European Affairs Department Director Vladislav Maslennikov said.

According to the diplomat, Western countries' approaches toward the Arctic region have increasingly been dominated by a confrontational mindset and scenarios involving the use of force to secure their interests in recent years. "As a result, the high latitudes, which were characterized exclusively by peaceful and constructive cooperation for decades, are now witnessing a rise in military and political tensions and an increased risk of unintended escalation," he noted while speaking at the 4th Arctic Regions Forum.

"Under the pretext of countering mythical threats from the East, NATO is pursuing a course of active militarization of the Arctic Region and is intensively strengthening its offensive capabilities along our northern borders. Large-scale exercises aimed at rehearsing offensive scenarios are regularly held in the region, and non-Arctic member states of the alliance are actively involved in these activities," the diplomat emphasized.

Maslennikov stressed that reducing the overall potential for conflict in the region and committing to international cooperation and law are among Russia’s primary and unwavering priorities. "At the same time, Russia is taking the necessary measures to ensure its national security by developing an appropriate response to emerging challenges and threats, which are growing by the day," he added.

TASS is the forum’s general media partner.