MOSCOW, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Russia's military activities in the Arctic region are exclusively defensive and pose no threat to any country, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said on Friday.
He said Russia is prepared to use all available means, including military forces if necessary, to protect its interests in the region, given the current geopolitical climate.
Grushko's remarks followed statements by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who said on Thursday that the Arctic holds strategic importance for Russia's economic development and national security. ■