Russia warns NATO's Arctic buildup threatens regional stability

NATO is militarizing the Arctic and strengthening its offensive potential near Russia's northern borders, Vladislav Maslennikov, director of the Russian Foreign Ministry's Department for European Affairs, said Thursday.



Maslennikov made the remarks during the 4th Arctic-Regions Forum in Russia's Arkhangelsk.



"Large-scale exercises are regularly held in the region, aimed at rehearsing offensive scenarios, among other things, and non-Arctic member states of the alliance are actively involved in these activities," he said.



Maslennikov added that any attempt to resolve issues in the Arctic without Russia's participation are futile and Moscow will continue promoting regional peace and stability.