U.S. Teases New Sanctions Targeting Russian Arctic LNG; “There will be more, I promise” Official Says U.S. officials tease additional sanctions against Russian oil and gas industry, including Novatek’s future projects. Sanctions have proven especially effective against Arctic LNG projects by blocking the delivery of ice-capable tankers. The U.S. says it will further tighten the sanctions regime.
Latest Round of US and UK Sanctions Takes Aim at Russia’s Arctic LNG 2 Project The US and UK announced further sanctions against Russia´s Arctic LNG 2-project targeting ship construction in Russia and South Korea and Novatek’s Belokamenka assembly yard. The impact of three rounds of sanctions in the last six months continues to delay the first shipment from the project.
SpaceX’s Starlink Ready to Boost Arctic Military Communications Says US Air Force Starlink satellites could soon be used to provide space-based communication for the US military across the Arctic following a successful test program. But outsourcing communication needs to a private entity also entails risks, as Starlink’s role in the Ukraine War has shown.
Russia Amends Arctic Policy Prioritizing ‘National Interest’ and Removing Cooperation Within Arctic Council Announced by the Kremlin Tuesday, Russia revised its Arctic policy removing mentions of the Arctic Council, stressing the need to prioritize Russian Arctic interests, and striving for greater self-reliance for its Arctic industrial projects.
From Ukraine to the Arctic: Russia's Capabilities in the Region and the War's Impact on the North For the past decade, Russia has systematically expanded and strengthened its Arctic military through a combination of bases, airfields, and large-scale radar installations, as well as defensive and offensive weapons systems. How will the war in Ukraine affect Russia's capabilities in the region and what challenges do Norway and its allies face in the Arctic?
Greenland and U.S. Agree On Improved Cooperation at Thule Air Base Greenland, Denmark and the U.S. conclude a new framework agreement surrounding the Thule Air Base (Pituffik), which in addition to reverting future maintenance contracts back to Greenlandic companies, promises closer economic and security ties and tangible economic benefits for Greenlanders.
U.S. to Speed Up Its Icebreaker Program, May Develop Nuclear Arctic Vessels The U.S. government aims to accelerate its Arctic icebreaker program and is evaluating the need for armed vessels and the feasibility of constructing nuclear icebreakers.
U.S. Warns Of Russian Arctic Military Buildup: “Who puts missiles on icebreakers?” The United States continues to express growing concern about Russian and Chinese activities in the Arctic. “You would be alarmed at the amount of Chinese activity off the coast of Norway,” explains a U.S. official.
U.S. Says Arctic No Longer Immune from Geopolitics As It Invests $12m in Greenland The U.S. wants to become the “partner of choice” in the Arctic using “old-fashioned diplomatic tradecraft” to safeguard its interest in the region. It hopes an aid package will jumpstart its relationship with Greenland.
U.S. Navy Ups Arctic Engagement, Establishing Temporary Presence in Iceland Four guided-missile ships from the newly reactivated 2nd Fleet have set up a temporary base in Keflavik, Iceland.
Explaining China’s Arctic Interests, the U.S.’ Efforts to Re-Engage, and the Growing Split Between the Two Countries Earlier this week China announced that it is conducting tests to improve ground- and satellite-based communications in the Arctic, raising concerns about this technology potentially also serving military purposes. The country’s research and economic activity in the region has been closely scrutinized.
New U.S. Department of Defense Arctic Strategy Sees Growing Uncertainty and Tension in Region The long-anticipated update to the U.S. Arctic Strategy is a continuation of Secretary of State Pompeo’s recent remarks. The U.S. rebukes Chinese and Russian efforts to challenge the region’s rules-based order.
U.S. Will Not Increase Presence in Arctic Until 2025 The U.S. new icebreaker will only rarely travel to the Arctic, Coast Guard Commandant says. At the same time National Security Advisor says the U.S. will challenge Russia’s military influence in the region. Are the U.S. Arctic ambitions all bark and no bite?
U.S. Coast Guard Awards Contract for New Polar Class Icebreaker The U.S. Coast Guard finally looks set to procure a new heavy icebreaker. But the first roadblocks, including questions about a low-price offer and lack of technical know-how, appear on the horizon.
US reacts to Chinese and Russian Arctic Activity, Pompeo to attend Arctic Council Meeting The United States continues to elevate its Arctic commitment as Secretary of State Michael Pompeo is slated to travel to Finland to attend the Arctic Council meeting in early May. A new Arctic defense strategy will follow by June.
U.S. Navy Plans to Send Surface Vessels Through Arctic The United States Navy is drawing up plans to send multiple surface vessels through the Arctic Ocean this summer, signaling a potential change in US policy to more effectively counter and possibly contain Russia's influence in the region.
Dark Skies for America’s Future Icebreaker Fleet A new report published by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) casts a dark cloud over the icy shimmer of hope that the Coast Guard will be able to deliver on its 2023 icebreaker promise.
IMO Approves New Shipping Corridors in Bering Sea to Improve Safety The International Maritime Organization, part of the United Nations, approved a joint proposal by the United States and Russia to establish two-way shipping lanes across the Bering Sea and into the Arctic Ocean.
