Russia has capabilities in Arctic that should be taken seriously, German foreign minister says

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul called on 14 July for stronger deterrence and defence measures on NATO's northern flank, citing growing hybrid threats from Russia.

Source: European Pravda citing DPA, a news agency

Details: According to Wadephul, Russia continues to expand its military presence in northern Europe and the Arctic, and is seeking to entrench its influence in the region. Wadephul gave this warning during a meeting with his Norwegian counterpart Espen Barth Eide in the town of Bodø, north of the Arctic Circle.

He pointed out that Russia has capabilities in the Arctic "that we must take seriously, particularly in view of our security in Central Europe."

Norway plays a key role as "NATO's early warning system using sonar and radar in the North Atlantic," he added.

Wadephul stressed that the region is a vital artery for "our security and our prosperity," home to undersea cables and infrastructure as well as maritime and air routes crucial for supplies to Germany and Europe.

He also said that China is also strengthening its presence in the Arctic, investing in strategic infrastructure and research activities.

Wadephul and Eide visited the headquarters of the Norwegian Armed Forces in Reitan, east of Bodø. The two ministers then travelled by speedboat to the Arctic research institute at Nord University in Bodø.

Both officials also plan to visit NATO's air operations centre in Bodø, which opened in October as a counterpart to existing centres in Germany and Spain.

Background:

• Earlier, Canada's Ambassador to Kyiv, Natalka Cmoc, expressed hope that Ukrainian naval drones could in future be involved in patrolling the Arctic.
• It was also reported that Norway will open a Consulate General in the Greenlandic capital, Nuuk, as the Arctic plays an increasingly important role in international politics and security.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon to help us keep reporting!