Russia is considering the armed struggle for the Arctic

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu announced the possibility of protecting state interests in the Arctic by means of armed struggle.

“A permanent military presence in the Arctic and the ability to protect state interests by means of warfare is considered part of the overall national security policy,” said Shoigu.

According to the head of the Ministry of Defense of Russia, the Arctic is currently being transformed into one of the leading centers of mining and a powerful hub of transport communications. Not only the five Arctic states - Russia, Norway, Canada, Denmark and the USA - but also countries that have no direct access to the circumpolar regions are trying to master the region. In particular, China claims to share in the resources of the Arctic.

“Thus, at present, a wide range of potential challenges and threats to our country's security is being formed in the Arctic,” the minister said. “In this regard, one of the priorities of the Ministry of Defense is the development of military infrastructure in this zone.”