Russia with 'hybrid' approach to increase Arctic presence

Russia is using a new approach to increase its influence in the Arctic, such as through research expeditions, increased maritime activities and tourism. As VOA correspondent Henry Wilkins reports from Norway's Svalbard, for the residents of a remote Norwegian community, the announcement of a new line that will bring tourists from Russia by boat has great significance. Norwegian companies dominate the tourism industry in the Svalbard archipelago, about 600 kilometers north of the continent. “Brim Explorer” company uses the most modern technologies. It is among the first tourist companies in the world to use electric motors for its ships. But Russia has already turned its attention to the tourism industry of this island. Due to the unusual legal framework of Svalbard, in addition to Norway, other countries, which are signatories to the Svalbard Treaty, signed over a century ago, are allowed to do economic activity here. Russia announced in April that it would send ships to transport tourists to the island. “I don't think this will affect us, but of course I understand that Russian settlements want to continue with their tourist activity. Geopolitically, it is important to maintain activity in Svalbard”, says Agnes Arnadottir, executive director of the company …