How Russia Could Annex the Arctic

Russia’s latest military exercise could be it’s latest step toward claiming maritime borders in the Arctic.

Tensions have increased a notch in the Arctic with the news that the Russians have started a major military exercise in the region. Nearly 40,000 servicemen, 41 warships and 15 submarines will be taking part in drills to make them combat-ready—a major show of strength in a region that has long been an area of strategic interest to Russia.

Russia might be reshaping national borders in Europe as it reasserts its geopolitical influence, but the equivalent borders in the Arctic have never been firmly established. Historically it has proven much harder for states to assert sovereignty over the ocean than over land, even in cases where waters are ice-covered for most of the year.

50 Russian Jets Fire Live Missiles In Show Of Strength Near Borders With NATO Nations

At least 50 Russian jets, including many of Russia’s advanced Su-34 “Fullback” fighter jets, began aerial combat exercises just miles from Russia’s western borders with NATO nations Estonia, Latvia and Finland — military drills that see the deadly jets firing live ammunition and guided missiles.

The exercises taking place in the skies over Russia’s Western Military District appear designed to show the west that even as the conflict in Ukraine rages on — despite this week’s new ceasefire agreement — the United States and European sanctions have not diminished Russia’s military might.