Governor: Russia Will Have No Competitors in the Arctic

The Governor of Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Region, Dmitry Kobylkin, presented the annual report on the situation in the autonomous region.

"We have been confronted with new challenges. A number of countries are leading a fairly aggressive sanctions policy against Russia. Motives for the attacks are very different, and the one reason for it is the independence of Russia and its hydrocarbon wealth, control of which many would like. Our partners understand that with Russia's entry to the Arctic, there would be almost no competitors," said the Governor of Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Region.

According to him, today's events are raising the objectives of protection of the Arctic frontiers on the Yamal Peninsula, and for this purpose, additional measures to ensure security are being introduced, and in 2016, there will be an Arctic motorized rifle brigade.

"Today, to win, you have to be one step ahead," said Dmitry Kobylkin. "And in a very timely manner, we have taken such steps - we have begun the development of the transport infrastructure in the Arctic, the development of new fields, and research."

According to him, despite all the difficulties, strategic projects will be launched as scheduled. In 2016-2018 the first stage Novy Urengoy gas chemical complex, the Yamal LNG plant, and the seaport of Sabetta will put into operation.

Dmitry Kobylkin also guaranteed the preservation of social programs: "Next year, 80% of the budget will go to social development objectives. All social obligations to support the people of Yamal have been retained for 2015 and 2016-2017."