Russian scientific vessel Severny Polyus is seen caught in the arctic ice some 440km south of the north pole on June 6, 2023. (PHOTO / AFP)

MOSCOW — Russia may leave the Arctic Council if Moscow's interests are not met, local media cited Nikolai Korchunov, Ambassador-at-Large of the Russian Foreign Ministry, as saying on Tuesday.

In an interview with Russia's RIA Novosti, Korchunov said that the council functions "at the lowest level." Norway, which is currently the organization's chair, is trying to resume its work but is still seeking support from other council members. Moscow's participation will depend on how well the council's activities align with Russia's interests.

The Arctic Council, established in 1996, is a high-level intergovernmental forum that facilitates cooperation in the region, especially in environmental protection

"We proceed from the fact that we should have all options for foreign policy maneuver, including leaving the Arctic Council if its activities do not correspond to Russian interests," said Korchunov.

The Arctic Council, established in 1996, is a high-level intergovernmental forum that facilitates cooperation in the region, especially in environmental protection. The council comprises Denmark (representing Greenland and the Faroe Islands), Iceland, Canada, Norway, Russia, the United States, Finland and Sweden. The chairing countries rotate every two years. Russia took over the chairmanship in May 2021.

In March 2022, Western countries in the council announced the suspension of their participation in any forum activities in protest against events in Ukraine. In May 2023, the chairmanship of the council was passed to Norway.