NO ONE is ready for what Putin is doing in the Arctic, GET READY! | Redacted with Clayton Morris
The Battle for the Arctic Circle
This section discusses the ongoing battle for control of the Arctic Circle shipping route between Norway, Russia, and the United States.
Russia's Dominance in the Arctic Circle
- Russia has already established a strong presence in the Arctic Circle with nuclear-powered submarines, ice-breaking vessels, radar equipment, and mobile military bases.
- Norway is attempting to challenge Russia's dominance in the region.
Norway's Involvement in Nordstream Pipeline Explosion
- According to journalist Seymour Hersh, Norway played a significant role in blowing up the Nordstream pipeline along with the United States.
- The Norwegian Navy supplied an Alta class mine hunter that carried divers and explosives to carry out the attack.
- On September 26th, 2022, a Norwegian Navy P-8 surveillance plane dropped a sonar buoy that set off the explosion.
Accusations of Spying
- Norway expelled 15 Russian diplomats for intelligence activities under diplomatic cover.
- The Russian officials were accused of working as Intelligence Officers under diplomatic positions.
Putin's Response
- Putin fired back at Norway's accusations and said that relations between both countries are at an all-time low.
The Arctic Council and Russia's Involvement
This section discusses the current state of the Arctic Council, which governs the Arctic Ocean, and its relationship with Russia. It also explores Russia's involvement in the region.
The Arctic Council and Potential Turmoil
- The Arctic Council is in danger due to potential turmoil.
- Russia currently holds the chair position but is about to hand it over to Norway.
- Other countries have canceled meetings with Russia, causing concern about how decisions will be made without their involvement.
Russia's Involvement in the Arctic
- Despite controlling 50% of the Arctic, Western countries are snubbing Russia's involvement in the Arctic Council.
- It is unclear how decisions will be made without Russia's involvement.
- Russia has a plan for creating new trade routes through the region that do not rely on traditional trade routes controlled by other countries.
United States' Infrastructure in the Arctic
This section focuses on infrastructure development in the Arctic and specifically highlights how far behind the United States is compared to other countries.
United States' Lack of Infrastructure
- The United States is woefully behind when it comes to any sort of infrastructure development in the region.
- Rex Tillerson, former Secretary of State and oil and gas magnate, confirms that "the United States is behind all other" countries.
The Importance of the Arctic Region
In this section, the speaker discusses the importance of the Arctic region from an economic, trade, and national security standpoint.
Russia's Control Over Arctic Region
- Russia's control over the Arctic region would give them access to 16% of the world's untapped oil reserves and 30% of undiscovered natural gas reserves.
- Additionally, there are vast mineral deposits such as nickel, platinum, and rare earth minerals that are needed currently.
- The Arctic is also rich in plankton which attracts a massive number of fish to that region making it important for fisheries.
- Two commercial shipping passages through the Arctic Circle will have many advantages including saving time and fuel costs.
Significance for Russia
- If Russia owns these passages, it would be strategically important for them as they wouldn't need to deliver oil and natural gas through US-controlled canal systems in the Middle East.
- Russia has deployed its own version of floating military bases in the Arctic with icebreaker vessels constantly on move looking for blind spots in radar coverage.
China's Role
- China is developing special nuclear-powered ice-breaking vessels to connect Russia's Arctic Road initiative with its own belt and road initiative.
- Combined together, China and Russia have shares in the arctic worth $35 trillion dollars worth of oil and natural gas.
Undermining Russia's Growth
In this section, the speaker talks about how undermining Russia's growth was always part of a bigger plan.
Biden Administration
- Biden administration has brought about a downfall of United States in the global power rankings and brought together China and Russia in such a way that they have become allies.
- The IMF estimates that by 2027, BRICS nations will be responsible for 35% of the global economy.
The Importance of Icebreakers
In this section, the speaker discusses the importance of icebreakers in the Arctic region.
Functioning Icebreaker
- There is only one functioning icebreaker currently in the Arctic region.
- The Coast Guard is proud of it despite its poor condition.
Need for More Icebreakers
- There is money in the budget to build another icebreaker.
- The whole Arctic region needs more icebreakers due to opening up of Arctic passageways from an economic, trade, and national security standpoint.
Significance for Trade
- Two commercial shipping passages through the Arctic Circle will have many advantages including saving time and fuel costs.
- The new Northeast Passage through the Arctic Circle will take almost 25% time off traditional routes making it incredibly strategically important.