Russia is actively increasing its military presence in the Arctic. Plans include the restoration of Soviet bases and the deployment of long-range systems. For this purpose, underwater platforms are already being tested and maneuvers are taking place near Alaska.
This has been reported by the Center for Counteracting Disinformation.
Experts at the CCD note that the Kremlin uses the Arctic zone as a tool of hybrid influence. From information campaigns about the 'stabilizing role of the Russian Federation' to the construction of infrastructure for military purposes along the Northern Sea Route.
'The goal of these actions is to create an 'Arctic pressure corridor' on the USA, spreading Washington's resources between the North and the Indo-Pacific region, thereby posing a threat to NATO countries,' the Center emphasized.
At the same time, officials of the Russian Ministry of Transport face challenges in building a fleet for the Northern Sea Route. Delays, a shortage of tankers and icebreakers, as well as a decrease in cargo flows, indicate real difficulties in the country's military development in the Arctic.
'This undermines Moscow's claims of being a 'leader in the Arctic' and exposes the gap between aggressive rhetoric and real capabilities,' noted the CCD.
The increase of Russia's military presence in the Arctic is aimed at creating a pressure corridor on the USA and NATO countries, as evidenced by the measures taken and the challenges faced by the Russian military fleet in this region.