Rising tensions in the Arctic: Russia strengthens grip on Northern Sea Route

Climate warming causes ice to melt in the Far North, increasing access to resources under the Arctic Ocean floor. General Waldemar Skrzypczak emphasized in an interview that "Russians dominate this area."

Global warming makes the Northern Sea Route (the seasonal sea route in the Russian part of the Arctic) and the Northwest Passage (the route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans) more navigable for longer periods.

Thus, their value steadily increases for Washington, Beijing, and Moscow, particularly regarding military and trade plans. Additionally, the Arctic is rich in natural resources such as natural gas, and its surrounding waters are abundant with fish.

Russia realized the Arctic's potential long ago. The Kremlin spends about 5 to 6 percent of its gross domestic product to secure interests related to the Northern Sea Route.

The Northern Sea is now a direct gateway to world markets. We must ensure a significant increase in freight transport through the sea route to implement the tasks assigned by Russia's president, emphasizes Nikolai Patrushev, an advisor to Vladimir Putin.

General Waldemar Skrzypczak emphasized in a conversation, "Russians dominate this area, and no one can threaten these sea routes."

This is a route entirely dominated by Russians. They will dictate the conditions of transport through the northern route. If something bad happens in South Asia, Northeast Asia, or the Middle East and these routes start to close, which is very likely, in this situation, the Russians will dominate the deliveries to Europe from China, emphasizes the general.

USNI News reported that Russia plans to expand its fleet of over 50 icebreakers with a "flotilla" of nuclear-powered ships by 2030 to keep the Northern Sea Route open for a longer navigation season.