Russia accuses the West of creating security threats for Moscow in the Arctic

MOSCOW, March 18 (Reuters) - Russia's Foreign Ministry on Wednesday accused the West of creating a security threat for Moscow in the Arctic and of building up its military activity there in a way which increased the chance of a military confrontation, a scenario it said Russia did not need.

Maria Zakharova, a spokeswoman for the Foreign Ministry, made the comments at a news briefing. She said Moscow would do its best to maintain peace and stability in the region.