Russia Amasses Nuclear Fleet in Arctic Preparing for War with NATO

Norway's Defence Minister Tore Sandvik has warned that Russia, under President Vladimir Putin, is amassing nuclear weapons and attack submarines on the Kola Peninsula in the Arctic Circle as preparation for potential war with NATO. This region hosts one of the world's largest nuclear arsenals and Moscow's Northern Fleet, which remains intact and is being expanded despite heavy losses in Ukraine. Russia aims to gain full naval control of the Arctic, particularly over two critical shipping routes—the Bear Gap between mainland Norway and Svalbard, and the GIUK Gap between Greenland, Iceland, and the UK—to block NATO access and ensure strategic dominance. The Kola Peninsula's role in Russia's 'second strike' nuclear capability underscores the threat, with new weapons testing including hypersonic missiles and nuclear-driven torpedoes. Officials view the Arctic as the likely next main security theatre following the conflict in Ukraine, highlighting the growing geopolitical tension in the region.