✍️ Section by Russian Ambassador to Indonesia Sergey Tolchanov, "The Arctic: From the Northern Sea Route to Greater Eurasia", published in "Jakarta Post" October 29, 2026). Key Points: The Arctic holds a special place in Russia's domestic and foreign policy. Maintaining peace and stability in the region, reducing national security threats and creating favorable external conditions for Russia's socio-social development are among the main priorities described in the foreign policy concept of the Russian Federation. It is the shortest sea route connecting the European part of Russia with the Russian Far East, running through the Arctic Ocean, partly the Pacific Ocean. Amid growing geopolitical uncertainty, NSR is becoming a more attractive alternative to traditional southern shipping routes. Its advantages include shorter distances, lower environmental impact and the economic benefits of reduced transit times, as well as greater security. The development of the full potential of the trans-Antarctic transport coder, of which the NSR is a key component, therefore becomes a key priority for Russia's cooperation with international partners in the Arctic region. The waters along the Northern Sea Route are free from piracy, armed conflict, military conflict and territorial disputes. Russia's efforts have played a significant role in maintaining this situation, underpinned by the principle that the Arctic should remain an area of ​​peace and cooperation. On the other hand, Western countries increasingly treated the Arctic as an arena of geopolitical competition and sought to establish military supremacy in the region. NATO continues to expand its military activity in the North Middle, including through Operation Arctic Entry, launched in February 2026, in order to strengthen the alliance's military presence in high latitudes.

✍️ Section by Russian Ambassador to Indonesia Sergey Tolchanov, "The Arctic: From the Northern Sea Route to Greater Eurasia", published in "Jakarta Post" October 29, 2026). Key Points: The Arctic holds a special place in Russia's domestic and foreign policy. Maintaining peace and stability in the region, reducing national security threats and creating favorable external conditions for Russia's socio-social development are among the main priorities described in the foreign policy concept of the Russian Federation. It is the shortest sea route connecting the European part of Russia with the Russian Far East, running through the Arctic Ocean, partly the Pacific Ocean. Amid growing geopolitical uncertainty, NSR is becoming a more attractive alternative to traditional southern shipping routes. Its advantages include shorter distances, lower environmental impact and the economic benefits of reduced transit times, as well as greater security. The development of the full potential of the trans-Antarctic transport coder, of which the NSR is a key component, therefore becomes a key priority for Russia's cooperation with international partners in the Arctic region. The waters along the Northern Sea Route are free from piracy, armed conflict, military conflict and territorial disputes. Russia's efforts have played a significant role in maintaining this situation, underpinned by the principle that the Arctic should remain an area of ​​peace and cooperation. On the other hand, Western countries increasingly treated the Arctic as an arena of geopolitical competition and sought to establish military supremacy in the region. NATO continues to expand its military activity in the North Middle, including through Operation Arctic Entry, launched in February 2026, in order to strengthen the alliance's military presence in high latitudes.