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The Arctic is becoming a new geopolitical battleground where major powers compete for influence. In this race, Russia is dominating with a strong network of military bases, a powerful icebreaker fleet and a strategic shipping route that shortens global trade routes.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the Arctic is becoming a new geopolitical hotspot, where global powers are competing for influence and strategic interests.
In this context, Russia is making significant strides, building an increasingly strong position in an important geographical area.
The Arctic is warming nearly four times faster than the rest of the planet, according to researchers. This phenomenon, known as “Arctic expansion,” is opening up new opportunities for transportation and resource extraction.
The US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) said the area of sea ice has decreased from more than 4.3 million square kilometers in 1979 to 2.7 million square kilometers in 2024 - an area equivalent to Argentina.
Military advantage with strategic base network
Russia has rapidly and effectively restored and expanded its network of military bases in the Arctic. The Nagurskoye base is the clearest example. Equipped with S-300 air defense systems and Bastion anti-ship missile systems, the base can accommodate fighter jets and strategic bombers capable of carrying nuclear weapons. With the ability to station 150 soldiers in temperatures down to -30°C, it is an important military foothold.
Rob Huebert, acting director of the Centre for Military, Security and Strategic Studies at the University of Calgary (Canada), stressed that the increased hostility is pushing Russia and NATO to return to military deployments in the region.
In addition, international isolation following the conflict with Ukraine has fostered close ties between Russia and China in the Arctic. The two countries have conducted joint military activities, including joint patrols, joint bomber flights near Alaska, and extensive cooperation on energy projects and resource extraction.
Icebreaker advantage
While the US has only three icebreakers, one of which is 50 years old, Russia possesses 30 icebreakers, many of which are nuclear-powered.
These ships are not only powerful in technological power but can also operate longer and more effectively in icy seas.
With the above advantages, the Arctic is bringing impressive economic values, accounting for 10% of GDP, 17% of oil sales, 80% of natural gas production and 33% of total fishing output of Russia.
New sea route: Logistic advantage
Russia’s Northern Sea Route, which connects Shanghai, China, and Rotterdam, the Netherlands, takes about two weeks less to travel than the Suez Canal. The number of commercial vessels using the route has increased from 631 in 2014 to 1,300 in 2024.
Russia has laid claim to untapped resources under the Arctic seabed. The Russian military is gathering geographic evidence to prove that the Lomonosov Ridge, an area believed to be rich in oil and gas, is part of Russian territory.
It can be seen that with multi-dimensional strategies, Russia is quickly asserting its dominant position in the Arctic. Close cooperation with China, advantages in infrastructure, military and economic potential are helping Moscow increase its influence in this key region.
