Newsweek:
Russia has sent ships to the subarctic waters of the Barents Sea to practice anti-missile combat on on their first artillery fire drill of the year.
Russia’s northernmost forces have operated a specialist command since 2014, geared specifically towards establishing a firmer foothold around the Arctic Ocean. The Kremlin has laid claim over the resource-rich North Pole, challenging rival claims made by the United States, Canada, Norway and Denmark, all of whom also have territory in the vicinity.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s last naval strategy paper, singled out the Arctic as an area where U.S. and other militaries are vying to establish an “intimidating supremacy” over Russia’s forces.
