While the world remains fixated on Russia's war in Ukraine, Moscow is strategically expanding its influence globally. With a firm foothold in the Middle East
supporting Iran and
sending support to the Houthis, and
growing involvement in Central Africa, Russia's next strategic objective appears to be the High North and the Arctic. This ambition, coupled with increasing
collusion with China, presents a
new and complex dilemma for NATO, forcing the alliance to adapt to evolving threats in a region of increasing geopolitical importance.
Russiaβs Arctic Ambitions
Driven by a desire to control vital transit routes, exploit vast natural resources, and project military power, Moscow's aspirations in the Arctic are multifaceted and alarming. This manifests in several key ways:
Hybrid Threats
Russia is employing a range of hybrid tactics, including cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and the use of proxies to conduct surveillance and sabotage critical infrastructure in the High North.