Russian-led BRICS expedition seeks resources in Antarctica
Russian icebreakers with scientists from the BRICS group have set out from Cape Town and Rio Grande to Antarctica. They plan to conduct research, including looking for gas and oil deposits.
10:22 AM EST, November 27, 2024
The Russian icebreakers "Akademik Fedorov" and "Akademik Tryoshnikov" have embarked on their journey to Antarctica with scientists from the BRICS group on board. "Akademik Fedorov" departed from Cape Town, while "Akademik Tryoshnikov" set sail from the Brazilian port of Rio Grande. The expedition aims to study the impact of climate change on the environment. However, according to the Polish Press Agency, the "Daily Maverick" reports that the primary goal is to search for natural resources, such as oil and gas, in eastern Antarctica.
The 60-day expedition includes over 500 scientists from seven countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, India, Peru, and Russia. Researchers from South Africa will also join the team. Scientists are expected to visit coastal research stations belonging to China, India, and Russia, covering a distance of about 12,427 miles.
Russia, isolated on the international stage after the invasion of Ukraine, is seeking new partners within the BRICS group. Cooperation with BRICS countries, which have declared neutrality toward the conflict, allows Russia to continue its scientific research. This expedition is part of the 70th Russian expedition to Antarctica. Russia maintains five year-round research stations there.
The international polar research community sharply condemned Russian aggression in Ukraine during the Antarctic management forum in June 2022. Nevertheless, Russia continues its research activities with support from BRICS countries, disregarding the condemnation.
The latest expedition not only focuses on scientific research but also includes the search for natural resources, raising concerns regarding Antarctica's environmental protection.
