Dependence on oil, gas market trends threatens Russia's security - Security Council secretary
MOSCOW. Feb 25 (Interfax) - The Western sanctions imposed on Russia are aimed at obstructing the development of Russian mineral resources, and Russia's dependence on the oil and gas prices on global markets may pose a threat to its national security, says Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev.
"The sanctions are aimed at putting pressure on the development and replacement of Russian mineral resources and reducing our main competitive advantage, including in the most promising Arctic region," Patrushev said at a conference in Khanty-Mansiisk on Wednesday.
"Russia's dependence on the foreign economic trends, primarily on global oil and gas markets, may pose threats to Russia's national security," the Security Council quoted Patrushev as saying.