Putin: We will continue the exploration of the Arctic in any case

Russian President Vladimir Putin made a statement regarding the Arctic region where US President Donald Trump has made sovereignty claims. During a meeting with students for the 75th anniversary of the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT), one of Russia's leading universities in the fields of theoretical and applied physics, the Russian leader said, "Experts disagree on how the climate situation on the planet and in the Arctic will change in the future. They think differently about whether we are really facing global warming or whether, according to some, the peak of warming is already behind us and cooling will begin."

Giving clear messages regarding the exploration of the region where US President Donald Trump has made sovereignty claims, Putin stated, "The important thing is that we will continue the exploration of the Arctic in any case.

Northern latitudes make up 70 percent of Russia's territory. This is a very important aspect."

Trump's Arctic and Greenland insistence

US President Donald Trump has frequently emphasized the military and strategic importance of the Arctic for the US, arguing that the North Pole region is critical for US national security. Pointing to the importance of oil, natural gas, and minerals in the Arctic for the US economy and energy independence, Trump had expressed a desire to purchase Greenland, an autonomous territory belonging to Denmark, as part of his wish to secure his country's interests. He had frequently emphasized the importance of Greenland's rich natural resources and strategic location. Danish and European leaders reacted sharply to this idea, stating that the island was not for sale. The US president, in turn, had threatened to impose customs duties on European states that opposed this idea.