Putin said on Thursday that rivalry in the Russian Arctic is growing. EPA
In Murmansk, the largest city north of the Arctic Circle, President Vladimir Putin declared Russia’s plans to strengthen its global presence in the Arctic. Speaking at Russia’s Arctic Forum, he warned that competition in the region was heating up.
During his speech, Putin brought up former US President Donald Trump’s idea of purchasing Greenland. However, he did not criticize the US for its interests. Instead, he said that America’s Arctic ambitions were serious and rooted in history. He acknowledged that the US would continue to push its economic, political, and military goals in the region.
“As for Greenland, this is a matter between two countries. It has nothing to do with us,” Putin stated. His remarks stood out, given that Russia had previously invaded Ukraine and claimed large areas of its territory.
Shifting US-Russia Relations
When Joe Biden was in office, Moscow and Washington frequently exchanged sharp criticism. However, the tone has changed. Now, Russia is promoting economic cooperation with the US in the Arctic, which holds vast natural resources.
Kirill Dmitriev, Putin’s envoy for foreign investment, expressed openness to joint ventures with the US in sectors approved by Russia. Dmitriev, who also leads the Russian Direct Investment Fund, confirmed he had already been in talks with American officials.
“We are open to investment cooperation in the Arctic,” Dmitriev said. “This could include logistics or other areas that benefit both countries.”
However, when asked whether such cooperation was possible before the Ukraine conflict ended, Dmitriev avoided the topic. “I focus on economics and investments, not politics,” he replied.
Russia Confident in US Collaboration
Moscow appears confident that it can attract the US with profitable Arctic deals. This confidence grows as some US officials seem to align with Kremlin narratives about the Ukraine war and Europe.
For instance, in a recent interview with ex-Fox News host Tucker Carlson, Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff seemed to accept Russia’s staged referendums in occupied Ukrainian territories. The international community, however, has not recognized these votes.
A New Global Power Shift?
At the Arctic Forum, Nikolai Patrushev, a top Russian official and former FSB security chief, hinted at changing global dynamics. He suggested that the world was moving towards a “multi-polar” system rather than being dominated by one or two superpowers.
“When Democrats were in power, they took one view. Republicans have another,” Patrushev said, implying that Moscow could cooperate with the US regardless of its political leadership.
Arctic Ambitions and Local Voices
In central Murmansk, a massive inflatable whale installation, bobbing over silver balloon “waves,” became the centerpiece of the city square. Locals gathered around it, with families posing for photos.
When asked about Russia-US cooperation, a woman named Elina said, “Russia is strong. You should always back the strong ones.”
Another local, Olga, expressed support for Arctic development with “friendly countries.” When asked if she considered the US a friendly country, she said, “I can’t decide.”
Meanwhile, Dmitriev praised Elon Musk, calling him a “great visionary.” He expressed hope for future cooperation, saying Russia could offer nuclear technologies for Musk’s Mars missions. He hinted at upcoming video conferences with Musk’s team.
