Russian defense minister explains why the Kremlin is militarizing the Arctic
RIA Novosti/Reuters
Due to the new importance placed upon the region, Russia has undertaken a series of measures to militarize the Arctic ranging from building a military base on the Finnish border to developing a new military command to respond to threats.
In a ministry board meeting on February 24, Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu directly addressed why the Arctic was of such paramount importance.
"A broad spectrum of potential challenges and threats to our national security is now being formed in the Arctic. Therefore, one of the defense ministry's priorities is to develop military infrastructure in this zone," Shoigu told officials at the meeting, according to a translation from Russia Beyond The Headlines.
Paramount among these concerns for Shoigu was the concern that countries both neighboring and non-neighboring countries are trying to expand their influence in the Arctic .
"Some developed countries that do not have direct access to the Arctic Circle are taking certain political and military steps to gain such access," Sputnik News reports Shoigu said. These attempts to gain access justify a stronger Russian military presence in the region.
Although Shoigu did not directly name which countries are seeking to obtain greater influence in the Arctic, it could possibly be a veiled swipe at China. Beijing has been steadily developing a self-coined status as a "near-Arctic state," The National Interest notes.
To back up this claim, China has undertaken a series of scientific studies with Arctic nations along with providing generous free-trade agreements with Iceland to build support for itself in the region.
Here's a look a the current boundaries:
Economist
Aside from China, Russia has potential territorial disputes with the other Arctic Council states. Denmark claimed last December that it technically owned the North Pole through a continental shelf attached to Greenland, which is an autonomous Danish territory.
To further project its power into the Arctic, Russia has undertaken a construction blitz throughout the region. Moscow is training two Arctic warfare brigades in addition to constructing 16 deepwater ports, 13 airfields, and ten air-defense radar stations in the region.
Russia will also build up its troop presence in the Chukotka peninsula in the far east of the country across the Bering Straight from Alaska.
"Military troops deployment in Chukotka will make it possible to enhance safety of the Northern Sea Route's traffic and respond timely to potential military threats in the area," Shoigu said according to Tass.
Ultimately, Russia is positioning itself to take advantage of the increased trade and natural resources from a melting Arctic. Shipping along the Northern Sea Route through the Arctic would cut transit time from Asia to Europe by almost two weeks.Additionally, the US estimates that the Arctic seabed includes about 15% of the world's remaining oil, up to 30% of its natural gas deposits, and about 20% of its liquefied natural gas.
Militarization allows Russia to be the dominant player in the region.
- I spent $2,000 for 7 nights in a 179-square-foot room on one of the world's largest cruise ships. Take a look inside my cabin.
- Colon cancer rates are rising in young people. If you have two symptoms you should get a colonoscopy, a GI oncologist says.
- Saudi Arabia wants China to help fund its struggling $500 billion Neom megaproject. Investors may not be too excited.
- Catan adds climate change to the latest edition of the world-famous board game
- Tired of blatant misinformation in the media? This video game can help you and your family fight fake news!
- Tired of blatant misinformation in the media? This video game can help you and your family fight fake news!
- JNK India IPO allotment – How to check allotment, GMP, listing date and more
- Indian Army unveils selfie point at Hombotingla Pass ahead of 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas
- JNK India IPO allotment date
- JioCinema New Plans
- Realme Narzo 70 Launched
- Apple Let Loose event
- Elon Musk Apology
- RIL cash flows
- Charlie Munger
- Feedbank IPO allotment
- Tata IPO allotment
- Most generous retirement plans
- Broadcom lays off
- Cibil Score vs Cibil Report
- Birla and Bajaj in top Richest
- Nestle Sept 2023 report
- India Equity Market