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Russia Warns of Arctic War

New document says Moscow should prepare for polar resources battle

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted May 14, 2009 3:41 AM CDT

(Newser) – A document released by the Russian government suggests that the country should prepare for war in the Arctic within the next decade, as rising temperatures intensify the scramble for the region's vast oil and gas fields. Russia claims sovereignty over a 465,000-square-mile ridge, which the US and other northern countries dispute. "It cannot be ruled out that military force could be used to resolve emerging problems," the report warned.

In the past Russia has insisted that it is not "militarizing the Arctic," but recently ministers have criticized NATO countries for activities there, and in 2007 a mini-submarine planted a Russian flag on the Arctic seabed. The document, which outlines Russia's new national security strategy and was approved by Dmitry Medvedev, also warned that Russia and China could clash over energy resources in Central Asia.

A titanium capsule with the Russian flag is seen seconds after it was planted by the Mir-1 mini submarine under the North Pole during a record dive in this 2007 photo.
A titanium capsule with the Russian flag is seen seconds after it was planted by the Mir-1 mini submarine under the North Pole during a record dive in this 2007 photo.   (AP Photo/Association of Russian Polar Explorers)
Then-president Vladimir Putin looks on while meeting members of recent mission to the floor of the Arctic Ocean in the Novo-Ogaryovo presidential residence outside Moscow in 2007.
Then-president Vladimir Putin looks on while meeting members of recent mission to the floor of the Arctic Ocean in the Novo-Ogaryovo presidential residence outside Moscow in 2007.   (AP Photo/RIA Novosti, Presidential Press Service, Dmitry Astakhov)
A view of a drilling rig behind an oil pipeline seen at the Val Gamburtseva oil fields in Russia's Arctic Far North.
A view of a drilling rig behind an oil pipeline seen at the Val Gamburtseva oil fields in Russia's Arctic Far North.   (AP Photo/Misha Japaridze)
In 2008 Russia sent warships to patrol Arctic waters for the first time since the breakup of the Soviet Union.
In 2008 Russia sent warships to patrol Arctic waters for the first time since the breakup of the Soviet Union.   (AP Photo/File)
The Russian Arctic expedition leader, Artur Chilingarov, a renowned polar scientist, holds a Russian flag as he walks with crew mates of the Mir-1 mini-sub.
The Russian Arctic expedition leader, Artur Chilingarov, a renowned polar scientist, holds a Russian flag as he walks with crew mates of the Mir-1 mini-sub.   (AP Photo/ Alexander Zemlianichenko)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 11 comments
Rob
May 15, 2009 12:37 PM CDT
Shonon: Governors are in command of their states National Guard troops within the borders of their states and are directly under their command during deployment under crisis. Normal activities are not usually directed by governors nor are guard troops deployed in actions outside the borders of the United States. I read your articles and find nothing to refute what I said, which is simply the authority given to governors of all states in the United States. Do I really need to provide you with such mundane URLs describing the day to day responsibilities of state governments?
kokuaguy
May 15, 2009 8:55 AM CDT
Good try Rob. Love your spin.
ifbit
May 14, 2009 9:58 AM CDT
Cold War II

Explorers find ice melting faster than anticipated
Reuters

 
Russia • oil • Arctic • natural resources • Lomonosov Ridge • Dmitry Medvedev • Arctic Circle • Russian foreign ministry

 
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