Russia: We Will Take Countermeasures to Address Any Threats to Our Interests in the Arctic
Moscow takes countermeasures against threats in the Arctic and criticizes the US-Japan-Korea trilateral partnership.
Translated by Qiyas from كونا — Original source
Moscow, November 5 (KUNA) -- Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said on Thursday that Moscow would take necessary countermeasures to address any potential challenges or threats to its interests in the Arctic region, noting that Russia remains open to constructive cooperation with international partners regarding the Northern Sea Route.
During her weekly press briefing, Zakharova added that Moscow adopts a realistic assessment of developments in the Arctic and is committed to preserving peace and stability in the region, expressing readiness for practical cooperation with all partners willing to engage in constructive collaboration.
Her comments came in response to a question regarding Moscow’s stance on the creation of a trilateral partnership between Japan, the United States, and South Korea for cooperation in the Arctic and the Pacific Ocean, and whether such a bloc could pose risks to the Northern Sea Route. She explained that rising geopolitical tensions in the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz have contributed to growing international interest in the Northern Sea Route as part of the Arctic transport corridor, welcoming this interest and the associated future opportunities and potential.
Zakharova emphasized the need to respect Russia’s national interests in the region and to refrain from participating in initiatives hostile to Russia, considering such restraint a fundamental condition for successful cooperation with foreign partners. She stressed that cooperation on the Northern Sea Route cannot be accompanied by attempts to contain Russia or inflict what she described as a “strategic defeat” upon it.
In connection with security developments in Northern Europe, Zakharova stated that Moscow would take into account Finland’s move toward nuclear cooperation with France within its military planning, expressing concern over the implications of this cooperation for regional security. She added that Russia would monitor practical steps related to the Franco-Finnish initiative and respond in accordance with developments and measures taken by the two countries, noting that an initial meeting of the Franco-Finnish nuclear planning group was held in Paris on October 27.
Regarding Russian-American relations, the foreign ministry spokesperson said that it is impossible to speak of tangible progress in Moscow-Washington ties amid ongoing disagreements over the return of seized Russian diplomatic property and the resumption of direct flights between the two countries. She added that dialogue with the American side at various levels remains practical, clarifying that discussions between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the G20 summit covered bilateral relations and aspects of cooperation in multilateral forums, including the United Nations, the G20, and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.
On developments in Iran, Zakharova urged Russian citizens to temporarily refrain from traveling to the country until the situation is resolved, given the continued risk of renewed escalation. She also advised those already in Iran to exercise caution, avoid gatherings, and stay away from military and government facilities. She warned against targeting critical infrastructure, particularly transport, energy, and military installations, and called on citizens to follow official information issued by Iranian authorities and comply with their instructions.
Regarding the file of relations with Armenia, Zakharova stated that the issue of Yerevan’s participation in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) could be discussed during the organization’s summit scheduled to be held in Moscow on November 11. She noted that Armenia could return to full participation in the organization, as it has the right to take the measures stipulated in its charter regarding membership. In a separate development, Zakharova announced that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will hold talks in Moscow on November 9 with his Peruvian counterpart, who is visiting Russia from November 6 to 10 to discuss ways to enhance political and trade relations and bilateral cooperation. (End) D.N. / H.S. S.S.
