Trump and UK prime minister discuss deterrence of Russia in Arctic
US President Donald Trump (photo: Getty Images)
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer discussed ways to deter Russia in the High North during a phone call with US President Donald Trump, according to the press service of the British prime minister.
"The leaders discussed Euro-Atlantic security and agreed on the need to deter an increasingly aggressive Russia in the High North," the statement said.
It is also noted that the United States' European allies have stepped up their efforts in recent months to protect Euro-Atlantic interests, but more can be done to safeguard this region.
Tensions in the Arctic are rising
Denmark had earlier also warned about growing military tensions in the Arctic region. Reports by Danish intelligence said that Russia continues to militarize the North by restoring old Soviet bases and deploying new weapons systems.
Russia continues to seek ways to circumvent international sanctions in order to export Arctic energy resources. Despite Western pressure, the aggressor uses a shadow fleet of tankers to transport liquefied gas and oil from northern fields.
At the end of December, Russian President Vladimir Putin was determined to retain control over a key Arctic waterway — the Northern Sea Route. Russia has deployed its entire fleet of nuclear-powered icebreakers in the region for the first time in its history.
Earlier, during negotiations with the United States, Russia also actively promoted a number of economic initiatives to the administration of Donald Trump, including a project to develop large natural gas fields in the Arctic seas.
At the same time, Russia's Arctic reserves of rare earth elements, oil, and gas are effectively controlled by three individuals close to the Kremlin.
