Norway’s defence minister, Tore Sandvik, has warned that Russia is amassing nuclear weapons and attack submarines in the Arctic Circle, preparing for potential conflict with Nato. He told The Telegraph that Moscow has intensified weapons development on the Kola Peninsula, home to Russia’s Northern Fleet and a significant portion of its nuclear stockpile. Mr Sandvik added that Vladimir Putin aims to gain full naval control of the Arctic to restrict Nato allies’ access to critical shipping routes that would support Western forces during wartime.
++ The chilling truth about sharks’ secret sixth sense
The Kola Peninsula, located on Russia’s extreme north-western flank in the Arctic Circle, borders Finland and northern Norway. It contains one of the world’s most concentrated nuclear weapons stockpiles and is vital to Russia’s “second strike” capability. Mr Sandvik highlighted the Northern Fleet’s expansion, including new frigates, multi-role submarines, and hypersonic weapons such as the Tsirkon missile, which can travel eight times the speed of sound. Despite Russia’s heavy losses in Ukraine, he said the Arctic nuclear threat maintains Moscow’s status as a military superpower.
Norway and the UK are monitoring the situation closely, concerned that the Arctic could become a key battleground due to melting ice caps opening new, strategically important shipping routes. The Bear Gap between mainland Norway and Svalbard, and the GIUK Gap between Greenland, Iceland, and the UK, are seen as critical chokepoints. Mr Sandvik explained that Putin’s “Bastion defence” strategy aims to control these gaps, giving Russia leverage over submarines and denying Nato allies crucial supply lines.
++ Reform UK projected to secure record majority as poll shows labour collapse
Tensions between Nato and Russia have also increased following military exercises in the region. German naval test launches of torpedoes and missiles prompted Russian vessels to sail in “zigzag” patterns near the exercise zone. Mr Sandvik welcomed the presence of Russian ships, saying it was vital they witness Nato’s capabilities. He added that even if a peace deal is reached in Ukraine, the Arctic may become the next main security theatre, with Putin potentially mobilising forces near Finland’s borders.
