Russia is reopening former Soviet military bases in the Arctic and conducting missile exercises there, said the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas. Against the backdrop of climate change and the struggle for new sea routes, the European Union is preparing an updated Arctic strategy, which it plans to present in October 2026.
Briefly about the main points
- Callas stated that Russia had opened former Soviet bases.
- Moscow is also conducting missile exercises in the high northern latitudes.
- The melting of the ice is making certain sea routes more accessible.
- The EU’s new Arctic strategy will include a security component.
- Kallas described the Russian Federation’s shadow fleet as an environmental threat to Europe.
Russian activity in the high northern latitudes
Statement Callas made on 14 September during the European Arctic Summit in Rovaniemi, Finland. According to her, The European Union It documents how Moscow is reopening former Soviet military bases and conducting missile exercises in the far north.
The head of European diplomacy linked these actions to the region’s growing importance to Russia. She was referring specifically to the reopening of former Soviet bases and missile exercises, rather than to the confirmed restoration of the entire Soviet infrastructure in the Arctic.
New routes are intensifying competition in the region
Climate change is having a significant impact on the Arctic, said Kallas. The reduction in sea ice cover is gradually making certain shipping routes more accessible, opening up economic opportunities whilst at the same time creating security challenges.
She also highlighted China’s growing interest in the region. In her view, Europe should closely monitor developments the situation in the Arctic, where logistics, the environment and safety intersect.
The EU is drawing up a strategy with a focus on defence
Updated the European Union’s Arctic strategy It is intended to place the security aspect at the heart of the policy and to include specific projects. Its presentation is scheduled for October.
The summit discussed capabilities for operating in Arctic conditions. Among the requirements mentioned were a greater number of icebreakers and vessels adapted to challenging ice conditions.
Callas linked the shadow fleet to the war against Ukraine
Separately, Callas described the Russian «shadow fleet» as «ecological time bombs» in European waters. Such vessels are used to transport Russian oil in circumvention of sanctions.
In her view, the issue has both an environmental and a security dimension. Kallas stated that this fleet’s activities are helping to fund Russia’s war against Ukraine.
