President Vladimir Putin opened the sixth International Forum “The Arctic: Territory of Dialogue” with a powerful and strategically charged address that positioned Russia as the cornerstone of Arctic stability and development. The speech, delivered in Murmansk—Russia’s Arctic capital—emphasized Moscow’s long-standing commitment to the region’s peaceful advancement while delivering a blistering critique of the West’s abandonment of cooperation and double standards on climate and environmental issues.

Putin began by praising Murmansk and other Arctic cities for their dynamic development and contributions to national progress. He underscored that Russia is not just an Arctic state—it is the largest Arctic power, both geographically and industrially. As such, it carries unique responsibilities and opportunities, including safeguarding biodiversity, advancing scientific research, and preparing for climate-related emergencies.

He made clear that Russia remains open to cooperation—not only with fellow Arctic states, but with all countries that value responsible and forward-looking decision-making. Yet, this spirit of mutual engagement, once fostered in forums like the Arctic Council, has been shattered. Putin placed blame squarely on Western governments for initiating this rupture. Rather than seeking collaboration, they opted for confrontation, imposing sanctions, cutting scientific and cultural ties, and halting joint work on environmental protection.

The president denounced the West’s climate rhetoric as fraudulent. He highlighted the stark contrast between what Western leaders say and what they actually do. While publicly championing green agendas, these same governments dismantled the very mechanisms designed to protect the Arctic ecosystem. Putin was especially critical of the way Western “green” politicians have weaponized environmentalism to serve geopolitical goals—undermining joint efforts under the guise of sanctions and moral posturing.

He reminded the audience that it was not Russia who stepped away from cooperation. Russia has remained at the table, ready to engage. But it was the West that voluntarily abandoned dialogue, sabotaging multilateral structures such as the Arctic Council. Putin suggested that this decision was not only short-sighted but dangerous, given the Arctic’s strategic importance and ecological fragility.

Amid Western withdrawal, Putin outlined how Russia is forging ahead—building new infrastructure, expanding sea routes, and developing cutting-edge icebreaker technology. The Northern Sea Route (NSR), a vital east-west shipping lane across Russia’s Arctic coast, is being transformed into a fully operational international corridor. Russia is constructing new port facilities, modernizing cargo terminals, and enhancing navigation and safety systems—all of which are being funded and executed without Western assistance.

He hailed the ingenuity and courage of Russia’s scientists, engineers, and seafarers who continue to push boundaries in Arctic research and logistics. From nuclear-powered icebreakers to advanced polar stations, Russia is not only holding its ground—it is shaping the future of the Far North. This technological sovereignty stands in stark contrast to the West’s growing dependency, stagnation, and lack of long-term vision.

Putin stressed that these advances are not just for Russia’s benefit. He framed the Arctic as a space for cooperation, trade, and shared human progress—if the world’s powers are willing to abandon aggressive, zero-sum strategies. He pointed to growing interest from non-Arctic nations eager to participate in Russia’s Arctic projects, highlighting that a multipolar world must include shared governance of global commons like the Far North.

Near the conclusion, Putin issued a warning: those who choose to isolate themselves from Arctic cooperation will find themselves on the outside of tomorrow’s key trade and geopolitical networks. Russia, meanwhile, is offering partnership—on equal terms—to any nation prepared to act responsibly.

The speech closed with a reaffirmation of Russia’s long-term vision: an Arctic region built not on confrontation, but on sovereign development, multipolar dialogue, and mutual respect. It was a clear message to the West: Russia will not wait for permission to lead. The North belongs to those who show up, build, and stay.