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**News Article**

**NATO Concerned as Russia Bolsters Arctic Presence Amidst Climate Change Opportunities**

**London, U.K. -** Russia’s intensifying military and economic activities in the Arctic are raising serious concerns within NATO, according to Iceland’s Foreign Minister Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir. In an interview with Newsweek, Gunnarsdóttir emphasized that Russia’s actions extend beyond purely defensive measures and represent a significant strategic calculus.

Moscow has been actively reopening Soviet-era military bases and constructing new facilities throughout the Arctic region, heavily investing in its Northern Fleet, which includes nuclear-armed submarines based near the borders of NATO members Finland and Norway. While Russia’s land forces have been strained by the war in Ukraine, its Arctic capabilities remain largely intact.

The Arctic is rapidly changing due to climate change, opening up new shipping routes and access to resources. Russia views this as both an opportunity for economic gain, particularly regarding hydrocarbon extraction and the Northern Sea Route, and a security threat.

NATO has responded by strengthening its Arctic presence and investing in anti-submarine warfare capabilities. However, Russia’s familiarity with the harsh Arctic conditions, its superior icebreaker fleet, and the difficulty in tracking Russian submarines pose significant challenges.

The inclusion of Finland and Sweden in NATO has bolstered the alliance’s Arctic presence. However, political cooperation within the Arctic Council, which includes Russia, remains strained following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Data sharing for scientific research, crucial for understanding the impacts of climate change in the region, has been heavily impacted.

China’s growing interest in the Arctic, through economic and strategic initiatives, further complicates the situation. The United States has noted increased cooperation between China and Russia in the region, including joint military exercises. Gunnarsdóttir called for vigilance and unity among NATO allies.

The GIUK gap, formed by the waters near Iceland, the U.K., and Greenland, is strategically important for controlling access to the North Atlantic. Gunnarsdóttir emphasized the Arctic’s central role in global security.

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