Russia’s Geopolitical Position in the Arctic: What’s New?

Russia is the largest Arctic nation, controlling over 53 per cent of the Arctic Ocean coastline. As such, Russia plays an important role in the whole region’s development. The Russian Arctic Zone spans 4.8 million square kilometres, comprising about 35 per cent of the country’s territory. The Arctic has a central place in Russia’s economy, security, foreign policy and national identity.

Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 caused global upheaval, triggering a significant shift in the strategic calculations of the Arctic nations, particularly those bordering Russia. This led to renewed concerns about Moscow’s intentions and actions. Finland and Sweden, traditionally non-aligned, reconsidered their stances, with both countries seeking and acquiring NATO membership, while old NATO countries bolstered their defence readiness and increased military cooperation. Western countries imposed sanctions on Russia, targeting the Russian economy with the aim of reducing the financing of Russia’s military capabilities. The relations between Russia and the other Arctic States deteriorated to the point where the survival of collaborative governance mechanisms, such as the Arctic Council, were in doubt, and Russia exited the cooperation in the Barents Euro-Arctic Region. This Essay will discuss how the changing circumstances have been reflected in official Russian documents and plans, as well as in concrete developments in the Russian Arctic.