Great Britain will leave its naval forces behind the Arctic Circle for the whole year due to the fact that new trade routes are opening for Russia and other countries due to melting ice in the Arctic. Reported by The Times.
The British frigate will join the international task force in the Barents Sea. The Royal Navy fears that Moscow will establish its control in the polar regions freed up due to global climate change. Also, China may take up new sea routes.
A source in the British navy said that the UK needs to gain a foothold on possible trade routes so that they are not controlled by one or two countries.
Earlier on March 10, NATO was told about the strengthening of activities in the Arctic because of Russia. Alliance Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that Russia, and after it the Western countries, is increasing its presence in the region, and therefore the tension between the Arctic powers is growing.