OP-ED

Elizabeth Buchanan: Russia’s new commanding role in the Arctic

Published Sept. 19, 2018 at 12:09 pm

This US Navy photo released on March 12, 2018 shows the Seawolf-class fast-attack submarine USS Connecticut (SSN 22) as it breaks though the ice in the Beaufort Sea in support of Ice Exercise (ICEX) on March 10, 2018. The five-week exercise that allows the US Navy to assess its operational readiness in the Arctic, increase experience in the region, advance understanding of the Arctic environment and continue to develop relationships with other services, allies and partner organizations.

Photo by AFP

While Russia’s economy is increasingly burdened by Western sanctions, Moscow has recently made crucial headway with a new Arctic transport corridor, which could have far-reaching economic and geopolitical consequences.

Last month, Maersk, which is the world’s largest shipping firm, made headlines by sending its first cargo ship through Russia’s Northern Sea Route. The NSR links Asia to Europe, utilizing Russian waters in the Arctic Ocean.