Lavrov says NATO Arctic activity threatens Russia

Russia has warned that NATO’s expanding presence in the Arctic constitutes a direct security threat, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Monday. Lavrov’s remarks came as part of a broader Russian critique of the alliance’s recent initiatives to bolster its footprint in the polar region.

NATO launched the Arctic Sentry mission in February, deploying additional naval and air assets to the area to enhance surveillance and rapid response capabilities. The move follows heightened tensions between Moscow and Washington, particularly after U.S. President Donald Trump expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, a territory that could offer strategic military advantages in the Arctic.

The Russian government has repeatedly denounced what it sees as NATO’s militarisation of the Arctic, arguing that the alliance’s activities undermine regional stability. Meanwhile, NATO maintains that its Arctic operations are defensive and aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation and protecting the interests of member states. The situation underscores the growing geopolitical contest for influence over the increasingly accessible polar region.