Vladimir Dzhabarov, First Deputy Chairman of the International Relations Committee of the Federation Council, said that if Russia leaves, the activities of the Arctic Council will lose meaning. He said this in an interview with:Bant.Ru”
According to him, if Moscow leaves the Council, the consequences will primarily affect other states.
“Russia is a major Arctic power. If Russia does not participate in this council, the meaning of the council is essentially lost. The Northern Sea Route passes through the territorial waters of Russia, the Arctic is already being developed by us, we have deployed the necessary armed forces and facilities in this regard to the necessary places,” Dzhabarov said.
The senator emphasized that efforts in the organization to “smear” Russia, postpone or reschedule Moscow’s presidency are pointless.
“Without Russia, the Arctic Council turns into an amorphous entity that cannot solve anything and will be of no use to other countries,” the parliamentarian said.
Before that, Russian Foreign Ministry Ambassador Nikolai Korchunov statedHe said Moscow could withdraw from the Arctic Council if its activities do not coincide with the country’s interests.
According to him, the council is working “at the slowest possible pace”. Norway, which currently chairs the Arctic Council, is trying to continue the work of the organization in full format, but cannot find support among other council members.
Previously A British publication predicted a victory for the Russian Federation in a new dispute over the Arctic.