The decision of the US authorities to create an ambassadorship for the Arctic region and its invitation to Western countries to adopt a defense strategy in this region reveals Washington's desire to change its policy priorities in the Arctic region.

In her report published by the Russian newspaper "Izvestia", writer Ksenia Loginova says that Washington has high hopes for Finland and Sweden, and considers it necessary for them to join NATO.

State Department adviser Derek Chollet said in a recent online news conference that his country will appoint an ambassador to the North Pole, which reflects Washington's strong commitment to cooperation with other countries in that region.


Presence

According to the Russian newspaper, Washington has strengthened its military presence in the far north after Finland and Sweden joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

According to Derek Chollet, a large area in the Arctic will fall within the scope of common defense under Article 5 of the NATO Charter.

"Izvestia" stated that Russia denied the possibility of a serious conflict in the Arctic, and stressed that Russia's security policy is transparent and does not threaten anyone in that region.

Russia currently chairs the Arctic Council, which includes 7 other countries: Iceland, Canada, Norway, the United States, Finland, Sweden and Denmark.


Because of the war on Ukraine, other countries have already suspended their participation in the council since last March, preferring to hold informal meetings, even though the term of Russia's presidency of the council is nearing its end.

Izvestia says that the United States says that between 60% and 75% of projects in the Arctic can be completed without Russia's participation, while Finland rejects this, saying that such a formula is "not viable."

The Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed that the modern US national strategy regarding the Arctic region reveals Washington's desire to militarize its policy and enhance military confrontation in this region.


big goals

Izvestia stated that Washington has been interested in the Arctic since the era of Donald Trump, explaining that its main goal is to contain Russia and China.

According to Trump's plan - the Russian newspaper continues - the future fleet should perform security tasks using drones and remote control systems.

Izvestia quoted political expert Anatoly Gagarin as saying that Washington has "little chances" to find a foothold in the Arctic, and it is trying to expand its influence through its intermediaries.

It also quoted a researcher at the Institute of World Economy and International Relations Pavel Godev as saying that the current trend in the West is not to establish contacts or relations with Russia, noting that Russia has great influence in the Arctic, followed by Canada, and once the Ukrainian conflict ends, it will change everything.

According to Godev, the attempt to exclude Russia from the Arctic Council will prompt Moscow to consider establishing other forms of cooperation, especially since the Arctic Council includes several observers - including China and India - who wish to obtain more advantages there.

Godev added that a new structure similar to the Arctic Council could be established that would exclude "unfriendly" Arctic states.