Russia will protect its national interests in the Arctic, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced, RIA Novosti reports.

“We [i.e. Russia] will definitely protect and, undoubtedly, will protect our national interests in the Arctic,” Putin said during a videoconference with members of the Russian government.

According to the Russian president, the importance of the Trans-Arctic Transport Corridor is obvious in the context of disruptions in global transport chains.

“The importance of the northern trans-Arctic route, as the safest, most reliable and efficient route, is becoming increasingly obvious amid disruptions in global transport chains, which are caused by numerous conflicts, including, as we see now, in the Middle East,” Putin said.

According to the Russian leader, it is important that the efforts of state organizations and departments aimed at developing the Arctic be coordinated.

And the programs and investment projects outlined in the Arctic should be interconnected, Putin added.