��Ambassador Oleg Stepanov's comment to the Russian media with regard to Foreign Affairs Minister Anand's recent statements on the Arctic (March 5, 2026)

����Russia has consistently advocated preserving the Arctic as a region of peace and cooperation, free from confrontation. It is therefore regrettable that official Ottawa seeks to promote, within NATO, an agenda of militarising the northern latitudes.

Such a course lacks any constructive substance and, above all, undermines Canada’s own security. The history of international relations has long demonstrated that any unilateral increase in military activity inevitably provokes reciprocal steps. Those in Ottawa should be fully mindful of this.

☝️We do not seek confrontation with NATO and have never regarded Canada as an adversary. Attempts by the Carney government to view us through the prism of confrontation are simply irrational.

Russia is the largest Arctic power and a self-sufficient state in the region. We possess all the necessary resources and capabilities to defend our national interests in the North and stand ready to respond to any challenges, wherever they may arise.