10:00 02.06.2026
MGIMO Professor: Calling people to the Arctic means calling on them to develop the economy
© RIA Novosti / Vladimir Trefilov
Exploring unexplored territories of Russia, particularly the Arctic, is the basis for national development, MGIMO Professor and member of the Presidium of the Council for Foreign and Defense Policy Andrei Bezrukov said in a commentary for Arctic.ru.
According to Mr. Bezrukov, Russia is using only a small part of its resources. If the economy is to advance, it is necessary to build up the amounts of these resources by exploring the Arctic territories.
“This country should be in motion. We can’t just withdraw into isolation without any lofty idea or desire to develop something. [In developing], we will be absorbing a totally new strength. <…> Calling people to the Arctic means primarily calling on them to move. To move where we have not yet explored every inch of territory,” he believes.
Mr. Bezrukov also notes China’s great interest in the Northern Sea Route. But, in his opinion, Russia should develop the NSR area on its own, using China’s aid solely as additional support.
“The Northern Route is ours. And the Arctic space is ours too. We are the masters there. But certainly we can cooperate with China, use their money, and let their companies do something in the region as a business partner, why not,” he said in conclusion.
