US and Russia explore Arctic cooperation as ties with European allies strain

By Elías Thorsson February 27, 2025
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U.S. President Donald Trump and Russia’s President Vladimir Putin shake hands during a joint news conference after their meeting in Helsinki, Finland, July 16, 2018.(Kevin Lamarque / Reuters File Photo)

Bloomberg reports that the United States and Russia are exploring potential economic cooperation in the Arctic. The discussions, which include natural resource exploration and trade routes, align with President Donald Trump’s broader diplomatic efforts with Moscow. NATO allies are worried about the growing engagement between Washington and the Kremlin.

Key Developments

  • US and Russian officials have discussed cooperation on Arctic trade routes, energy exploration, and diplomatic engagement.
  • Meetings in Istanbul are planned to restore embassy staffing levels, signaling a thaw in relations.
  • Some US officials see Arctic cooperation as an opportunity to counter China’s influence, though analysts believe Russia’s partnership with Beijing remains strong.

NATO’s Concerns

  • European allies are alarmed at US diplomatic engagement with Russia, which undermines efforts to isolate Moscow after the Ukraine invasion.
  • The Arctic is a strategic region, surrounded by Russia and seven NATO countries: the US, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden.
  • The Pentagon’s new Arctic strategy warns of growing Russia-China cooperation, increasing the urgency for NATO military readiness.

China’s Expanding Arctic Presence

  • China declared itself a “near-Arctic state” in 2018 and has increased investments in Arctic shipping, energy, and research projects.
  • The Polar Silk Road aims to establish new shipping routes between Asia, Europe, and North America, benefiting Beijing’s long-term trade strategy.
  • Russia and China’s strategic cooperation in the Arctic has raised concerns for the US and its allies.

Geopolitical and Economic Implications

  • Melting ice in the Arctic is opening new trade routes and untapped energy reserves, intensifying competition among global powers.
  • The US seeks to balance its Arctic strategy between economic cooperation and national security concerns.
  • Despite diplomatic discussions, tensions remain high as NATO and Russia continue to expand their Arctic military presence.