Russia in the Arctic: the Results of 2020 and Development Prospects

Abstract

The Arctic has always been in the field of close attention of the Russian leadership. This was especially true in 2020. This year, a number of important strategic planning documents were adopted that define the country’s state policy in the Arctic zone for the next 15 years. These are: The Fundamentals of State policy in the Arctic Zone until 2035 and the Strategy for the development of the Russian Federation’s Arctic zone and ensuring national security for the period up to 2035. In parallel, work continued improving the federal authorities activities on the exploration and development of the Arctic. New members of the State Commission for Arctic development approved including their powers expanded. The newly formed Ministry of the Russian Federation for development of the Far East and the Arctic has begun its activity. Simultaneously, the Government decided on the extension of the Far East development institutions competence in the Arctic zone. The attention of the public was drawn to the planned major infrastructure projects in all the subjects of the Russian Arctic. The author, drawing attention to a wide list of planned major arctic infrastructure projects in all the subjects of the Russian Arctic zone, expresses doubts about the possibility of their implementation, taking into account the existing and potential difficulties. The article points to the need to use the experience in the advancement and development of the Arctic, acquired in 2020, during the Russian presidency of the Arctic Council in 2021–2023.