The Arctic Council, of which Russia is a member, is capable of continuing the implementation of the vast majority of its projects without Moscow's participation, US State Department Adviser Derek Scholle said.
The Western states decided in the spring to refuse to participate in the activities of the working bodies of the Arctic Council during the presidency of Russia in connection with its special operation in Ukraine.
"From 60 to 75% of the Arctic Council's projects, including in such areas as education and fisheries, can be implemented without Russia's participation," Scholle said during an online briefing for journalists.
At the same time, he added that at this stage Washington is considering opportunities only for very limited interaction with Moscow within the framework of this region. "Russia's recent actions have put new pressure on the region, which has been characterized by cooperation for a long time," commented Scholle.
According to him, over the past few years alone, Russia has invested billions of dollars in the militarization of the Arctic, built and modernized bases, expanded its icebreaker fleet, and tested new dangerous weapons systems in the region.
The Arctic Council was established in 1996 on the initiative of Canada with the aim of cooperation in the field of environmental protection and sustainable development of the circumpolar regions. It includes seven more Arctic countries: Russia, USA, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Finland and Sweden, ria.ru writes.
Alex Shishlo for Rough&Polished
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