The Russian Geographic Society

This wonderful map is created by the National Geographic showing the impact of melting ice. The Russsian Geographic Society, in the meanwhile, is far more interested in partnering with the Navy. It is hardly surprising, since Sergei Shoigu after assuming the position of Defence Minister a year ago, has retained his leadership in the RGS. He is now planning to build a new class of ice-protected patrol ships even if no such keels are supposed to be laid according to the approved shipbuilding/rearmament programme. I am amused (not really, just a figure of speech) by Alexander Golts’ observation that a great amount of supplies was delivered for constructing a new base on the Kotelny island, but Yakutia was forgotten – and now suddenly the ‘winter-is-coming’ crisis demandsurgent deliveries by air.