On display power, Moscow advances. Russia today began a large-scale military exercise in Arctic waters, involving 1,800 ground troops, more than ten of its Navy ships and about forty aircraft and helicopters.

The command of the Russian Navy’s Northern Fleet said the trainings will focus on protecting “the security of Russia’s trade and sea routes such as the Northeast Passage.”

The exercise is expected to last several days. The Northern Fleet emphasized that it is a test of the coordination of air, sea and land elements.

The so-called Northeast Passage passes through the northern coasts of Russia. To the extent that climate change transforms the normally frozen sea route from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean into a more viable seaway, these waters take on greater strategic and economic importance.

For Moscow, this sea route could make things easier the export of raw materials produced in the Russian Far North, especially natural gas, which continues its course after being liquefied on the Yamal Peninsula in northwestern Siberia.

As part of its claim to the strategically important polar region, Russia created special military units specialized in operations in the Arctic more than ten years ago.