Rising tensions in the Arctic: Russia's dominance and global stakes

Climate warming is melting the ice in the Far North, increasing access to resources located beneath the floor of the Arctic Ocean. Gen. Waldemar Skrzypczak, in an interview, emphasizes that "the Russians rule in this area."

Global warming is making the Northern Sea Route (a seasonal sea lane in the Russian Arctic) and the Northwest Passage (a route linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans) more navigable for longer periods.

Therefore, their value continues to grow for Washington, Beijing, and Moscow, especially regarding military and commercial plans. Additionally, the Arctic is rich in natural resources, such as natural gas, and its surrounding waters are abundant in fish.

Russia has long recognized the Arctic's potential. 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.

Gen. Waldemar Skrzypczak, in an interview with "Fakt," emphasizes that "the Russians rule in this area and no one is able to threaten these sea lanes."

"This is a route over which the Russians have complete control. They will dictate the conditions of transport through the northern route. If anything bad happens in South Asia, Northeast Asia, or the Middle East and these routes start to close, which is very likely, then the Russians will control deliveries to Europe from China," emphasizes the general.

USNI News reported in the past that Russia plans to expand its current fleet of more than 50 icebreakers to a "fleet" of nuclear-powered ships by 2030, to keep the Northern Sea Route open for a longer navigation season.