Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Ottawa's refusal to engage with Russia in the Arctic region, focusing on cooperation exclusively with states that share similar values. The statement, made on March 28, 2025, became part of Canada's new Arctic strategy, where the country intends to strengthen its position and protect national interests.

"Russia is under no circumstances one of our partners," — Carney categorically emphasized, excluding Moscow from the list of potential allies in this strategically important region.

Canada’s move echoes a policy outlined in December 2024, when Ottawa announced the creation of an Arctic ambassador and plans to open consulates in Greenland and Alaska. The moves were presented as a response to growing competition for resources and influence in the Arctic, where melting ice is opening up new opportunities for shipping and mining. Carney stressed that Canada would focus on working with “like-minded” NATO countries and other partners such as the United States, Norway and Denmark to counter the ambitions of states whose policies diverge from Western priorities.

The refusal to cooperate with Russia was not unexpected amid worsening bilateral relations, which have been strained since the outbreak of conflict in Ukraine in 2022. Russia, which has the longest Arctic coastline and is actively increasing its military presence in the region, has long been viewed by Canada as a potential threat. Carney, commenting on the situation, pointed to Russia's "aggressive policies" as a reason that precludes any form of joint work.

In March 2025, Ottawa announced $1,2 billion to upgrade patrol ships and expand radar networks along the northern coast. These measures, according to the defense minister, are designed to ensure control over territorial waters and counter any attempts to violate sovereignty. The opening of consulates in Nuuk, Greenland, and Anchorage, Alaska, scheduled for the summer of 2025, will strengthen Canada’s diplomatic presence in the region, where it intends to coordinate with allies.

Russia has not yet responded to Carney's words, but Moscow has previously repeatedly declared its right to develop the Arctic, accusing the West of trying to limit its access to resources. The Kremlin emphasized that the region remains a zone of strategic interests for Russia, and any actions by Canada will be met with an "adequate response." Experts predict that Ottawa's refusal to cooperate could lead to increased tensions, especially on issues of delimitation of maritime borders and control over the Northern Sea Route.