Russia is intensifying the militarization of the Arctic under the guise of science.

As reported by a representative of the Main Intelligence Directorate (MID) of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Andriy Chernyak

In the context of global warming and the emergence of new strategic opportunities in the Arctic, such as mineral deposits and the Northern Sea Route, the Kremlin is intensifying its activities in this region. Russia aims to strengthen its economic and military-technical presence under the guise of “scientific activity.”

This information was announced by Andriy Chernyak, a representative of the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) of the Ministry of Defense.

According to GUR data, the main tool for implementing Russia’s Arctic strategy is the state enterprise “Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute.” Although formally this organization carries out “scientific tasks,” in reality it is part of Moscow’s resource-military project aimed at:

  • conducting geological exploration of new gas and oil fields;
  • analyzing ice conditions in the Northern Sea to chart shipping routes;
  • modeling climate and oceanographic changes through 2035 for long-term regional exploitation planning.

Scientific expeditions organized by the institute study water temperature, current strength, wind dynamics, and also forecast changes in the ice cover. All this data serves a dual purpose – for civilian use and for planning military operations and fleet movements, GUR noted.

Additionally, according to intelligence, Russia is actively developing the region’s infrastructure by installing communication equipment, including satellite communication systems. This equipment can be used to coordinate Arctic operations of the Russian Northern Fleet and support the actions of unmanned systems.

Andriy Chernyak emphasized that the world must be prepared for the fact that the Kremlin’s new “scientific initiatives” are merely a cover for a new phase of Arctic militarization.

“The aggressor state is gradually turning the region into a foothold for projecting power, controlling logistical routes, and accessing resources. If the international community continues to underestimate these processes, the North could become the next zone of tension.”

– Andriy Chernyak, representative of GUR of the Ministry of Defense