Russia threatens US interests in Arctic with military buildup

As ice thaws in the Arctic, Russia is building up a military presence unseen since the end of the Cold War, as revealed by recent reports and confirmed by the Pentagon on Monday.

Russia’s military buildup along its Arctic coastline is threatening a key strategic route that could be used by the United States to protect the homeland. In recent years, Russia has built 475 new military sites, including bases north of the Arctic Circle and 16 deep-water ports, according to the Arctic Institute. The use of new and old military bases, an expanded fleet of nuclear-powered ice breakers and submarines, and the presence of bombers and jets put Russian offensive platforms within striking distance of the U.S.