Arctic Scramble: Russia to Flex Military Muscle in Far North

The Arctic is believed to be rich in natural gas and oil, and countries with territory in the region are increasingly looking to exploit it. Russia is now planning a dedicated Arctic military force, and is revamping old Soviet military bases to stake its own claim.

However, BBC News reported on the 16 December 2013 that Esa's Cryosat saw Arctic sea-ice volume bounce back during Summer 2013, both in the extent of sea ice and in the volume of ice.

• Primary Source

RIA Novosti, 10.12.13: Putin Orders Strong Military Presence in Arctic http://en.ria.ru/russia/20131210/185429796/Putin-Orders-Strong-Military-Presence-in-Arctic.html

BBC News, 11.12.13: Putin orders Russian military to boost Arctic presence http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25331156

The Guardian, 10.12.13: Russia to boost military presence in Arctic as Canada plots north pole claim http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/10/russia-military-arctic-canada-north-pole

Deutsche Welle, 12.12.13: A new Cold War in the Arctic? http://dw.de/p/1AY5B

BBC News, 16.12.13: Esa's Cryosat sees Arctic sea-ice volume bounce back http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-25383373

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