The State Duma accused Norway of escalating tensions in the Arctic

Norway, through its actions, is increasing tension in the Arctic basin, said Andrei Kolesnik, a member of the State Duma Committee on Defense. He shared his comment with Lenta.ru.

Earlier it became known that the NATO country began to strengthen its military presence in the Arctic in case of a potential deterioration in relations with Russia. As Norwegian Defense Minister Tore Sandvik explained, there is supposedly “increased tension” in the region.

The Norwegians themselves are worsening the situation in the Arctic, the deputy is convinced. Firstly, joint NATO exercises are constantly taking place in the area of ​​​​the Norwegian and Barents Seas with the aim of attacking Russia, Kolesnik pointed out. Secondly, Norway seized the Russian research vessel Professor Molchanov on Spitsbergen, the politician added.

According to the deputy, NATO is irritated by Russia's presence in the Arctic. This happens for two reasons, the speaker believes.

“In the South it is still unknown what will happen with energy resources, but the North is a storehouse. It’s not for nothing that [US President Donald] Trump is fighting so hard for Greenland and for influence there. In Spitsbergen, we have the village of Grumant, we were engaged in coal mining there, that is, we have peaceful tasks there, but they are annoyed that this is the extraction of energy resources, although in absolute accordance with international treaties, including with Norway itself, but they are especially irritated by the Northern Sea Route,” said the interlocutor of Lenta.ru.

NATO countries, which are irritated by Russia's presence, will only increase tension in the Arctic, Kolesnik suggested.

“I think their main task is to reconsider the continental shelf, a purely economic zone. Now there is a war in the Arctic, unfortunately. Of course, we are taking countermeasures and strengthening the North. If I were them, I would not create tension in the Arctic region, because our nuclear forces are located there and aviation constantly flies. We will react harshly to any provocations. Maybe even much tougher than in Ukraine. Therefore, they need to beware of such hostile actions,” the politician concluded.