"I suppose that through the free exchange of opinions we will be able to conclusively prove the falsity of conclusions of some political and academic figures, according to which in the 21st century the Arctic will become the arena of a new 'great game,' a fierce military-political, economic and ideological confrontation for the natural wealth of this unique region," Patrushev said at the Arctic Council meeting.
The meeting organized by the Russian Security Council is taking place aboard Russia’s 50 Let Pobedy (50 Years of Victory) nuclear-powered icebreaker.
The Arctic Council is an intergovernmental forum for the promotion of cooperation, coordination and interaction among the governments of the Arctic countries. The forum comprises eight Arctic nations, namely Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden and the United States, while 12 more states have observer status.