Russia is using a new approach to increase its influence in the Arctic, such as through research expeditions, increased maritime activities and tourism. As VOA correspondent Henry Wilkins reports from Norway's Svalbard, for the residents of a remote Norwegian community, the announcement of a new line that will bring tourists from Russia by boat has great significance.
Norwegian companies dominate the tourism industry in the Svalbard archipelago, about 600 kilometers north of the continent. “Brim Explorer” company uses the most modern technologies. It is among the first tourist companies in the world to use electric motors for its ships.
But Russia has already turned its attention to the tourism industry of this island. Due to the unusual legal framework of Svalbard, in addition to Norway, other countries, which are signatories to the Svalbard Treaty, signed over a century ago, are allowed to do economic activity here.
Russia announced in April that it would send ships to transport tourists to the island.
“I don't think this will affect us, but of course I understand that Russian settlements want to continue with their tourist activity. Geopolitically, it is important to maintain activity in Svalbard”, says Agnes Arnadottir, executive director of the company “Brim Explorer”.
Norway's presence in Svalbard means it could deny Russia's Northern Fleet access to the Atlantic Ocean in the event of a conflict. For this reason, analysts say, Russia maintains a presence on the island, mainly through Barentsburg, a town of about 400 Russian and Ukrainian residents.
Under the treaty, most military activity is prohibited in Svalbard. But analysts say Russia has begun a so-called hybrid approach to increase its influence here. It is gradually developing new legitimate activities, such as research expeditions, industrial and touristic activities and is generally increasing its maritime presence, thus achieving its strategic objectives.
Researchers say they have also noticed an increase in Russia's rhetoric on issues related to the Svalbard archipelago.
“First of all, there have been official Russian statements very critical of Norway, accusing Norway of militarizing the island, of being used by NATO, etc. There have been statements with very strong language, which is interpreted as hostile language. says Arild Moe, from the “Fridtjof Nansen” Institute.
Jon Fitje Hoffmann, assistant governor of Svalbard and an employee of the Norwegian Security Police Service, told VOA that there are frequent minor violations of regulations on the island, such as misuse of helicopters, which should only be used to assist. in the mining activity…
“They drive around Barentsburg in vehicles with Russian license plates, instead of the Norwegian license plates they must have according to the law,” says Mr. Hoffmann.
In May 2023, residents organized ceremonies in Barentsburg for the Russian Victory Day holiday, which locals say had militaristic overtones. This year, the celebrations were much quieter, because last year the attention of the international media had been drawn.
“We don't know if they realized it themselves, or if someone from Moscow told them that it would be better to have more modest celebrations”says Mr. Hoffman.
The Russian special consul in Barentsburg, who Norwegian channel NRK said after an investigation in 2023 is a Russian intelligence operative, declined a request for an interview with VOA.
While Russia is working to increase its influence throughout the Arctic and its bases are already three times more than NATO bases. It seems that the introduction of a cruise line to the Svalbard archipelago may only be the tip of the iceberg.
