He Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported on Monday that the country had left the Barents Euroarctic Council (BEAC).

“Under current conditions, we are forced to announce Russia’s withdrawal from the BEAC,” said the ministry’s press release, cited by the Sputnik news agency.

The corresponding note from Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was sent to the foreign ministries of the organization’s member countries, as well as to the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of Russia. European Union (EU), Josep Borrell, among others.

According to the note, the activities of the BEAC have been practically paralyzed since March 2022 “due to the fault of the Western members of the organization”.

This date coincides with the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which began on February 24, 2022.

Furthermore, the Russian diplomatic entity noted that the Finnish presidency has not confirmed its desire to transfer the leadership of the BEAC to Russia in October 2023, in violation of the principle of rotation.

“The responsibility for the collapse of the Barents cooperation architecture lies with our ‘partners’”underlines the text.

The ministry also noted that Russia will continue to implement its national goals in the far north of Europe and remain open to interaction “with those who are constructive and willing to maintain fair dialogue and mutually beneficial work “.

He Barents Euro-Arctic Council (BEAC)created on January 11, 1993, brings together Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia and Sweden as full members.

Nine countries – Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Japan, Poland, the United Kingdom and the United States – have observer status.