NATO braces for a 'dangerous' Russian Arctic comeback

Russia has sent much of its Arctic forces to Ukraine, where they have taken a beating in combat. Vice Adm. Rune Andersen, chief of the Norwegian Joint Headquarters, said there is no "clear and immediate military threat" from Russia in the north right now, but warned Moscow plans to rebuild and expand its military once the fight in Ukraine ends.

"We are preparing for a more dangerous Russia," he said, adding that NATO needs to use this time well and make preparations. Andersen said Russia pulled most of its forces from the strategic Kola Peninsula and sent them to Ukraine, where a lot of their troops have been killed in combat.

Experts at the RAND Corporation said deploying resources from the High North to Ukraine has led to "the hollowing out of the country's Arctic-capable ground units," and that the conclusion of hostilities in Ukraine would allow Russia to reinvest in its military posture in the High North.

Russia, Kola Peninsula

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