NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that the alliance has increased its activity in the Arctic because of Russia, which is increasing its presence there. He stated this at an event at Stanford University.
“As part of the expansion of our alliance in recent years, we have strengthened our presence there. We understand that the strategic importance of the Arctic has grown in part due to global warming, because the melting of ice means an increase in the area of neutral waters, as well as because of the increased Russian presence [in the region], “Stoltenberg was quoted by TASS.
The NATO Secretary General recalled that earlier in the alliance they indicated low tension in the Far North, but now it has grown. He also acknowledged that NATO countries are cooperating with Russia in the region, and more actively than elsewhere.
Earlier, the authors of The National Interest suggested that a “competition of great powers” had begun in the Arctic. The USA, Russia and China allegedly participate in it. At the same time, Washington has a chance to win – but only if a permanent American presence is established in the region.
