The USA and Russia recently addressed Arctic issues during their latest negotiations, focusing on the exploration of natural resources and trade routes. Reported by TSN, this information comes from Kontrakty.UA.
According to Bloomberg, Washington is considering the possibility of collaborating with Moscow in the energy sector, which could alter the geopolitical dynamics in the region.
Sources indicate that the USA aims to leverage the Arctic as a means to weaken the alliance between Moscow and Beijing. However, experts express skepticism regarding this scenario, as China and Russia have significantly strengthened their ties in recent years and have maintained an “unlimited” partnership since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
“The prospect of cooperation with Moscow raises concerns among the USA's European allies and NATO countries,” Bloomberg notes.
In recent years, the Arctic has emerged as a strategically important region, as the melting glaciers are opening up new shipping routes and opportunities for energy resource extraction. It borders Russia and seven NATO countries: the USA, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden.
According to Politico, during negotiations in Saudi Arabia in February 2025, the head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, Kirill Dmitriev, stated that energy projects in the Arctic are one of the key areas for cooperation between the USA and Russia. At the same time, at the end of 2024, the Pentagon released a new Arctic strategy, highlighting the threat posed by the rapprochement between Russia and China.
“The Arctic is a critical region for China. Beijing declared itself an ‘Arctic state’ back in 2018 and is actively developing the Polar Silk Road,” Bloomberg emphasizes. Meanwhile, it remains unclear how this collaboration aligns with the West's sanctions policy against Russia.
It is worth noting that on February 27, a meeting between representatives of the USA and Russia will take place in Istanbul – the second such meeting in recent weeks. However, it is reported that Ukraine will not be discussed during this meeting.