Russia Expands Nuclear Arsenal in Arctic, Threatens NATO

Norway warns that Russia has reinforced its Arctic military presence on the Kola Peninsula with a large nuclear arsenal, attack submarines and new surface ships now oriented toward Norway, the U.K., Canada and the U.S., signaling strategic tensions expanding beyond Ukraine into the High North. Norwegian Defence Minister Tore Sandvik says Moscow is testing hypersonic missiles, nuclear‑powered torpedoes and upgraded ballistic‑submarine units, keeping the Northern Fleet and Russia's second‑strike capability intact despite battlefield losses. Sandvik warned Moscow seeks control of the Bear Gap and the GIUK Gap to establish a “bastion” defense and deny NATO access to the North Atlantic. President Vladimir Putin has publicly claimed a successful test of the Burevestnik nuclear‑powered cruise missile, saying it achieved an “unlimited range.” The combined build‑up heightens risks to transatlantic security and Arctic shipping routes, reinforces Norway’s role as NATO’s “eyes and ears,” and has prompted increased Western scrutiny and discussions of additional sanctions.