Russia will defend its national interests in the Arctic, President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday (April 23) at a meeting with the government.

Putin also said the Northern Sea Route - a maritime passage through the Arctic - is growing in importance amid global disruptions, including instability in the Middle East.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

MOSCOW, RUSSIA (APRIL 23, 2026) (RUSSIAN POOL - Access all)

1. RUSSIAN PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN HOLDING CONFERENCE WITH MEMBERS OF RUSSIAN GOVERNMENT VIA VIDEO LINK

2. (SOUNDBITE) (Russian) RUSSIAN PRESIDENT, VLADIMIR PUTIN, SAYING:

"I will stress the growing role of Arctic in the global context, and namely for the environment of the planet (Earth), for the global fuel and energy as well as raw materials systems, for enhancing the sustainability of international trade and logistical links."

3. CONFERENCE IN PROGRESS WITH PUTIN AND OTHERS SEEN ON SPLIT SCREEN

4. (SOUNDBITE) (Russian) RUSSIAN PRESIDENT, VLADIMIR PUTIN, SAYING:

"The importance of the Norther Transarctic route as the most safe, reliable and efficient path is becoming ever more obvious on the backdrop of disruptions of the global transportation chains which occur due to numerous conflicts, including, as we see now, in the Middle East."

5. CONFERENCE IN PROGRESS WITH PUTIN AND OTHERS SEEN ON SPLIT SCREEN