The Bounds of Arctic Russia Defined

A decree defining the land territory of Arctic Russia has been signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and published on the Kremlin's website, reports the officeal news agency Arctic-Info.

According to the [final] document, the Russian Arctic zone includes the territory of Murmansk Region, the Nenets, Chukchi and Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Regions, the municipal formation of the the urban district of Vorkuta (Komi Republic), the municipal district of Norilsk, as well as several areas of Yakutia, two districts of Krasnoyarsk Territory and municipalities of Archangel Region.

In addition, in accordance with the decree, the Russian Arctic zone includes land and Islands of the Arctic Ocean indicated in the order of the Presidium of the Central Executive Committee of the USSR of 15 April, 1926 which were declared territory of the Soviet Union.

Earlier, at a meeting of the Security Council, the President ordered strengthening of the border of the Russian Arctic. He underlined the need to defend every part of the hydrocarbon-rich continental shelf of the Russian Arctic and maritime areas.

Source: Arctic-Info