Melting is opening up region for exploration by Russia and other countries

Putin proposes giving the U.S. a stake in the minerals, rare earths and vast natural gas deposits in the region.

Just as the U.S. and Russia begin negotiations to try to reestablish mutually beneficial cooperation, the Trans-Arctic Partnership Forum entitled “Arctic: Territory for Dialogue” in Murmansk (March 26-27) becomes an emblematic example of the path that, leaving behind wars and destruction, leads toward peace and progress.

Russia and China want to trade in the Northern Sea Route. Consider it a bargaining chip that could benefit the West, too.

The Arctic’s era of “high north, low tension” is over, and Washington may be underprepared for the region’s shifting dynamics. Following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Arctic cooperation ceased, allowing Moscow to pivot toward China and India, expanding supply routes and regional influence.