Russia Poses Primary Threat in Arctic, CEPA Report Warns U.S. and NATO Interests
A report by the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA), titled 'Frontline Arctic: The Evolution of Russia’s Military Posture in a Changing Arctic,' identifies Russia as the primary security threat to U.S. and NATO interests in the Arctic region. The report, which Mathieu Boulègue, a Senior Fellow at CEPA and Consulting Fellow at Chatham House, contributed to, highlights Russia's preparations for conflict in the Arctic. Russia aims to impose costs on foreign militaries operating near or within its Arctic Zone (AZRF) and along the Northern Sea Route (NSR), expand its interdiction capabilities, and protect the NSR from perceived foreign encroachment. Despite over a decade of war against Ukraine, international isolation, and sanctions, Russia has adapted its military and security approach in the region. Moscow now views the Arctic as a fortress, a frontline, and a contested space, emphasizing territorial defense, near-sea control, and control over the NSR, while also perceiving increased vulnerability as o...
