Putin's bishop: Holy Mission in Svalbard despite Norwegian sovereignty!
Putin's bishop: Holy Mission in Svalbard despite Norwegian sovereignty!
In the middle of a tense geopolitical situation, the Barents Lake has developed into a scene of activities that have both religious and military dimensions. On June 16, 2025, Bishop Iyakov was on board the Russian ship Professor Molchanov to the Arctic Island of Svalbard, while Norway's King Harald V and Queen Sonja visited the archipelago. The Barents Observer reports that Iyakov blessed the "Murman Lake" and part of a group of high-ranking spirit, support the Putin's war effort against Ukraine.
It is particularly noticeable that Iyakov had previously built a large Russian Orthodox cross in Pyramids, Svalbard, without Norwegian approval. These intentions seem to be part of a greater strategy of the Kremlin that uses the Orthodox Church to promote the narration that the Arctic belongs to Russia. This is done in a context in which Norwegian sovereignty over Svalbard is repeatedly emphasized, as is illustrated by the royal presence on site.tensions about Svalbard
But things don't stand still. The Russian influence in Svalbard could increase, because arctic Today reports on a hybrid strategy that combines military activity with civilian activities. Elizabeth Buchanan, an expert in Polar geopolitics, emphasizes that Russia may strengthen his activities in research, industry and tourism to legitimize his presence there.
In addition, Svalbard's strategic importance for Russia and Norway could not be higher. Because Svalbard, which lies between the Barents, the Greenland and the Norwegian Sea, is a key to military and economic access throughout the North Atlantic. "Control over Svalbard also means control over the access from the flat Barent Sea to the deep North Atlantic," says the assessment of experts.
geopolitical background
The geopolitical tensions around Svalbard have risen lately, especially after Russia's annexation of the Crimea and the invasion in Ukraine. The Geopolitics reports that Svalbard officially belongs to Norway, but has a unique international position that admits certain freedoms. Russia, on the other hand, has a long -term presence there and could try to consolidate control over the area through military or hybrid means.
The city of Barentsburg, a mining center, which is almost completely inhabited by Russians and Ukrainians, with around 400 inhabitants, the focus is on. The cabbage reserves there disappear, and alternative economic models such as tourism have not yet been fully developed. However, the significant military and economic potential of the region remains undisputed and is strategically pursued by Russia as part of its national interests in the Arctic.
With a planned international Arctic science center, which is to be created in partnership with BRICS countries, Russia impressively shows that its ambitions in this region go far beyond tourism campaigns. These developments are a direct challenge for Norway's control over the archipelago, and the Norwegian marine has already taken measures to secure its presence in the region.
In summary, it can be said that the situation in Svalbard is developing rapidly. The involvement of religious leaders like Bishop Iyakov shows how diverse the strands that are interwoven in the Arctic. Political tensions, economic interests and the question of national sovereignty will also shape the dialogue between Norway and Russia in the future.| Details | |
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| Ort | Svalbard, Norwegen |
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