In an interview with RIA Novosti, Russian Ambassador to Oslo Nikolai Korchunov assessed Norway’s two-year chairmanship of the Arctic Council (AC).

“As the risk of confrontation in the high latitudes grows, most regional cooperation formats have eroded. The Arctic Council remains, in fact, the only functioning platform for multilateral cooperation – even if it operates below full capacity,” Korchunov stated.

He warned that self-imposed restrictions by some member states continue to undermine the AC’s effectiveness. Without a revival of political dialogue, the Council risks becoming a merely symbolic body, he added.

Nevertheless, following Norway’s two-year chairmanship, AC member states and permanent participants adopted a joint statement on May 12, 2025.

“While the document is a compromise, its importance cannot be understated. Signatories reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the AC as the key forum for intergovernmental Arctic cooperation. Given today’s realities, this is a notable step. As the Council approaches its 30th anniversary next year, I believe it has the potential to reignite the spirit of collaboration,” Korchunov said.

The ambassador noted that Denmark’s success as the next chair will hinge on how well the AC represents the actual Arctic territories like Greenland and the Faroe Islands.

“However, the US’s stated intention to acquire Greenland and its withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement add complications for Denmark’s leadership,” he observed.

Commenting on Norway’s chairmanship, Korchunov acknowledged the country’s efforts to restore the AC’s normal operations, including the gradual resumption of working groups in fall 2024. Russia, he said, maintained a working-level dialogue with Norwegian counterparts despite tensions.

Furthermore, ambassador reiterated Russia’s unwavering commitment to equal and mutually beneficial cooperation in Spitsbergen (Svalbard) under the 1920 Treaty while maintaining its historic presence in the region.

However, the Norwegian authorities have been recently taking steps to tighten control of the archipelago, hampering Russia’s research and economic activities there.

“Norway has adopted nearly all EU sanctions against Russia, sector-based and personal, with minor exemptions for Spitsbergen-bound ships, allowing them to call at the local ports. This policy violates the Treaty’s principles, discriminating against Russian economic and scientific activities,” Korchunov explained.