According to Russian Sputnik News Agency on December 9, Alexander Moisheyev, commander of the Russian Northern Fleet, said that the United States and NATO member countries have strengthened their military activities in the Arctic region. Moiseyev said at the 12th "Arctic: Present and Future" Forum: "By considering the Arctic as a potential conflict area, the United States and NATO member countries have strengthened their military activities in the region." According to Moiseyev, the warships of the United States and NATO carry out regular solo and formation navigation activities in the Barents Sea. In addition, the multi-purpose nuclear submarines of the United States Navy also continue to exist here. Moiseyev also said that the intensity of combat training activities has continued to increase. Moisheyev concluded: "NATO has developed infrastructure in the Arctic. In fact, it is taking further practical measures to increase its military infrastructure... In general, the expansion of NATO's military presence is a fait accompli, indicating that the group is turning to the practical action of building a military force tool to contain the Russian Federation in the Arctic." (Outlook New Times)