On March 27, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin embarked on a working trip to Murmansk, a key city in the Arctic region, where he attended the VI International Arctic Forum. This year’s forum, themed "Arctic - Territory of Dialogue," emphasizes the importance of living and thriving in the North. Putin is set to deliver a speech at the plenary session, marking the culmination of the forum, which has been held in various Russian cities since its inception in 2010.
Upon arrival, Putin began his visit by laying flowers at the monument dedicated to the Defenders of the Soviet Arctic during the Great Patriotic War, situated on Green Cape. The memorial, which stands over 42 meters tall, was inaugurated in 1974 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi forces in the Arctic. It features a symbolic figure of a soldier in a helmet and raincoat, holding a machine gun. Putin honored the memory of the soldiers who bravely defended this strategically important region during the war, reflecting on the sacrifices made to secure peace.
Andrei Chibis, the governor of the Murmansk region, expressed his respect for the heroes of the past, stating, "The battle for the Arctic is one of the heroic pages in the history of our country. Our ancestors defended this region with incredible effort, contributing significantly to the victory over the enemy. Today, as we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory, we recognize the value of a peaceful sky. The people of the North are once again standing guard over the homeland, fulfilling their duty with courage and resilience. Eternal memory to the heroes!"
Following the ceremony, Putin participated in a meeting focused on the development of the Arctic and the Arctic transport corridor. During this meeting, he highlighted the dynamic growth and unique industrial projects being implemented in the Arctic regions, including the construction of large-tonnage marine structures in Belokamenka and the modernization of the Murmansk transport hub. He noted that Murmansk serves as the home port for Russia's nuclear icebreaker fleet, which plays a crucial role in navigating Arctic shipping routes.
Putin emphasized that the Arctic faces significant systemic challenges, such as enhancing transport and logistics infrastructure and expanding business opportunities while preserving the fragile Arctic ecosystem. He stated, "We must have clear plans and collaborative efforts among federal ministries, regional governments, businesses, and scientists to address these challenges effectively." He also pointed out the need for concrete financial, managerial, and legislative solutions to propel Arctic development forward.
Earlier, a meeting of the State Council Commission on Arctic Development, chaired by Chibis, laid the groundwork for these initiatives. The president reiterated the importance of defining a clear development model for the Northern Sea Route, as organizational issues remain unresolved.
In a broader context, Putin's visit to Murmansk coincides with rising geopolitical tensions regarding Arctic sovereignty and resources. Recently, U.S. President Donald Trump has reignited discussions about Greenland, proposing to acquire the territory to enhance U.S. security interests. On March 26, Trump stated, "We must protect them [the inhabitants of Greenland], and we must get this territory because without it, it is impossible to properly protect a large part of this land, not only the United States. That is why we must get it, and I think we will get it." An American delegation, including national security advisor Mike Waltz and energy minister Chris Wright, is set to visit Greenland on March 27, prompting concerns from the Greenlandic Prime Minister Mute Egede, who labeled the visit a provocation.
As Putin continues his trip, he is expected to engage with regional governors and discuss various Arctic development projects. The governors of the Russian Arctic regions, including Chibis, Alexander Tsybulsky (Arkhangelsk region), Mikhail Kotyukov (Krasnoyarsk Territory), and Dmitry Artyukhov (YaNAO), will present their plans for enhancing the quality of life in their respective areas. Topics will include the renovation of closed territorial entities and the development of key settlements in the Arctic zone, which collectively house approximately 1.6 million people.
Putin's visit underscores Russia's commitment to its Arctic strategy, aiming to bolster infrastructure and improve living conditions in the Far North while navigating the complex international landscape surrounding Arctic sovereignty and resource management. The outcomes of this working trip and the discussions at the International Arctic Forum may significantly shape the future of Arctic development in the coming years.
