Russia's Security Chief: Chief Arctic Threats - Foreign Scientists And Native Activists

In a lengthy interview with news agency TASS, Kulishov points a warning finger against foreign engagements in the Arctic. According to the general, the far northern waters are among the regions that now attract growing interest from foreign intelligence services, as well as foreign armed forces.

“A number of foreign countries continue to conspire for an inclusion of the waters of Russia’s exclusive economic zone and areas of the continental shelf into their zones of prioritized interest,” Kulishov says. And they are covertly assisted by various civil society stakeholders, he makes clear. That includes foreign supporters of Russia’s indigenous peoples.

“Under the pretext of protecting the rights of indigenous peoples and marine environments, various international organizations undertake efforts to restrict shipping on the Northern Sea Route, challenge the legal and territorial status of the Arctic and undermine Russia’s stable development of mineral resources,” the high-ranking FSB representative says.

Also Arctic research is a growing issue of concern, Kulishev argues. “There is a growing drive among foreign research institutions towards the resource potential of the seas that are under the jurisdiction of Russia, especially in the Arctic region,” he underlines to the news agency.

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https://thebarentsobserver.com/en/security/2020/05/fsb-general-sees-growing-threat-foreign-arctic-researchers-and-indigenous-peoples