NATO military exercises are shifting to the Russian borders, and the intensity of US strategic aviation flights is increasing, which is provocative in nature. This was stated by the commander of the Northern Fleet, Admiral Alexander Moiseev on May 13.
According to him, the Norwegian leadership contributes to the expansion of the military presence of the alliance forces and the growth of conflict potential in the Arctic.
"The NATO naval forces have begun the practice of performing regular single and group cruises of combat surface ships, which, I note, has practically not happened since the Second World War," Moiseev said during a briefing for journalists on the nuclear-powered missile cruiser Peter the Great.
He added that such actions " are provocative in nature and have a negative impact on the regional security system as a whole."
Moiseev also pointed to the increase in the intensity of flights in the Arctic by strategic bomber aircraft of the United States Air Force.
On April 6, the American television company CNN said that Russia is building up unprecedented military power in the Arctic, as well as testing the latest weapons there. Sources of the TV channel in the Pentagon said about Washington's fears that the new bases could be used by Moscow not only to legally protect the country's borders, but also to establish de facto control over all areas of the Arctic region.
The day before, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said that the United States is monitoring Russia's activity in the Arctic and intends to defend national interests in this region.
On March 10, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that the alliance is increasing activity in the Arctic because of the Russian presence. At the same time, he pointed out that Moscow and Washington maintain a high level of cooperation in the region.
