Russian Strategic Intentions in the Arctic

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Alexandra Land in the Franz Josef Land Archipelago in 2017. With Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu. Photo: President of Russia

Pavel Devyatkin was invited by the United States Department of Defense (DoD) and Joint Chiefs of Staff to contribute to a Strategic Multilayer Assessment (SMA) white paper called “Russian Strategic Intentions“. The publication is part of a series entitled The Future of Global Competition and Conflict. The white paper provides wide-ranging assessments of Russia’s global interests and objectives.

In chapter 15, Pavel explores the Russian strategic intentions, interests and activities in the Arctic. He writes that Russia’s activities in the Arctic have included multilateral cooperation, and have been focused on securing access for northern shipping routes and energy extraction. The formation of the Arctic Council between Russia and other Arctic countries has enabled cooperation on resolution of territorial claims, as well as oil spill and search-and-rescue operations. Strategically, the Arctic region plays a significant role in Russia’s energy, economic, and defense priorities, as evidenced by the size and activities of the Northern Fleet, as well as frequent mention in Russian published doctrine.