(Bulletin Leader) The U.S. hasn’t built a new heavy-class icebreaker in 40 years, and as oil drilling and vessel traffic increases off Alaska’s northern coast, the nation hasn’t developed a deepwater port within 900 miles.
Marlene Laruelle, a research professor of global affairs at George Washington University, said historically it has been normal for the Russian state to be proactive in major projects. Additionally, most of the US flotilla isn’t prepared for Arctic voyages. Eight countries are members of the Arctic Council, including Russian Federation, while 12 countries have observer status. It seems it has no plan of approving Russia’s claim. This type of trip has been unexpected and unprecedented as Adm. Paul Zukunft of the Coast Guard has mentioned that there has been mixed feelings over the way the nation has shown, or not shown, concern long-term over the Arctic. This encouragement, in the view of the Americans, needs to come in a more welcoming worldwide environment regarding the Arctic. […]
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