The Russian Arctic is arguably the most important Arctic Council member to understand. This is because Russia holds around 50% of all Arctic landmasses and 70% of all individuals who live in the Arctic, within its borders. (Source) The Northern Sea Route (NSR) and other Arctic exploitation make up 10% of Russia’s GDP. However, with Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, other Arctic Council members have halted all cooperation. This lack of cooperation will only harm indigenous peoples and locals in the Arctic, especially on issues such as climate change. As a result, China will likely increase its investments in the Russian Arctic as part of its Polar Silk Road initiative.
