The Arctic in 2023: International and Russian Aspects

The Arctic in 2023 was under the close attention of the Russian leadership. The article analyses the international problems of the Arctic, the end of the Russian Federation’s chairmanship of the Arctic Council and its transfer to Norway, as well as events in the Arctic that influenced the policies of Russia and European countries in the Arctic. The article analyses the international problems of the North, the end of the Russian Federation’s Chairmanship of the Arctic Council and the official transfer of the AC Chair’s authority to Norway for the years 2023–2025, as well as events in the Arctic that influenced the policies of Russia and European countries in the Arctic. It is emphasised that foreign states continue to increase their military presence in the Western Arctic. The situation was complicated by Finland’s accession to NATO and the upcoming admission of Sweden, which contributed to strengthening the Arctic capabilities of the alliance and created real military threats to Russia. The confrontational position of the West, which reacts sharply to the formation of a more equitable multipolar world order, has had an extremely negative impact on northern international cooperation, which previously traditionally remained outside the political environment. The author analyses the complex problems of the Russian Arctic development related to the functioning and further development of the Northern Sea Route and close territories based on the activities of the President of the Russian Federation, the Government of Russia, ministries and departments, representatives of business and public organisations during this period. The article focuses on the issues of solving the problems of the indigenous peoples of the North, northern imports, Arctic science, import substitution of technologies and equipment for exploration, production and transportation of minerals in the Arctic, and the definition of «core Arctic cities». It is noted that the real influence of foreign countries on the Arctic region can only be determined by the results of a special military operation.