Trudeau, Nordic leaders say Russian revolt an ‘internal’ affair, express concern
VESTMANNAEYJAR, ICELAND – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau joined the leaders of Nordic countries today in expressing concern over the potential effects of this weekend’s short-lived uprising in Russia.
In a joint news conference following their meeting in Iceland, Trudeau said the leaders had “serious conversations” about the “internal challenges” Russia has faced in recent days.
But they maintained that the revolt is Russia’s internal affair, while reaffirming their support for Ukraine.
A brief armed revolt in Russia by mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin has loomed large over the two-day gathering in Iceland, pushing security to the top of the agenda.
The meeting is also taking place ahead of the annual NATO leaders’ summit scheduled for mid-July in Lithuania.
Trudeau says Canada continues to support Sweden’s bid to join the NATO military alliance, which was also on the agenda in Iceland.
Related stories from around the North:
Canada: Justin Trudeau to be special guest at next meeting of Nordic Prime Ministers, Eye on the Arctic
China: Satellite imagery reveals construction progress on new Chinese Antarctic base, Eye on the Arctic
Finland: Finland Border Guard reports business as usual despite aborted Russian coup, Yle news
Greenland: Growing focus on Arctic puts Greenland at higher risk of cyber attacks: assessment, Eye on the Arctic
Iceland: Iceland authorizes U.S. submarine service visits, Eye on the Arct
Norway: Expelled ‘diplomats’ left Norway via Kirkenes and Istanbul, The Independent Barents Observer
Russia: Russian Arctic rescue exercise attended by observers from Iran and Saudi Arabia, The Independent Barents Observer
Sweden: Sweden keeping a close eye on what’s happening in Russia, Radio Sweden
United States: U.S. nominates Alaskan as first Arctic ambassador, Eye on the Arctic
