Russia's search for reliable access to the world's oceans has long been shaped by the interaction of geography, climate, and strategic necessity. Much of the country's coastline lies along northern seas that freeze in winter or are distant from major maritime trade routes. As a result, Russian rulers—from the era of Muscovy to the present—have repeatedly sought secure maritime outlets that allow year-round naval activity and access to global commerce.The pattern across three centuries is consistent: Russia expands toward warm water. Every war, every annexation, every alliance of convenience has this logic somewhere within it. Understanding this imperative helps explain not only Russia's historical expansion but also its contemporary interventions from Syria to Africa.
Sunday, 26 April 2026 19:38
In 2015 it was reported that Russia had plans to build 13 aerodromes and six cantonments in the Arctic. The string of new and refurbished bases between the 
“A world without nuclear weapons may be a dream but you cannot base a sure defence on dreams. Without far greater trust and confidence between East and West than exists at present, a world without nuclear weapons would be less stable and more dangerous for all of us.”