Arctic peers warn ‘no return’ to prewar times as Russia frozen from circumpolar talks

OTTAWA — Canada’s allies are calling for a rethink in Arctic relations after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Washington’s new Arctic policy calls for an increased American military presence in the Far North.

Finland says that while it needs a functioning relationship with neighbouring Russia, it is warning there will be “no return to the prewar reality.”

Moscow says it is upgrading military bases to improve its search-and-rescue capacity and argues there is no serious risk of conflict in the Arctic.

On Tuesday, Norad intercepted Russian jets near Alaska but said it didn’t see them as a provocation or a threat.

Defence chief Gen. Wayne Eyre says Canada needs to boost its military presence in the North but says no conflict is imminent.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 19, 2022.

The Canadian Press