The United States has scrapped the drills in the Arctic fearing it would have to seek help from Russia.
The assistance may be needed in case the United States’ only operational heavy icebreaker Polar Star breaks down. According to Mikhail Nenashev, chairman of the All-Russian Movement for Supporting the Fleet, this shows that Americans acknowledge Russia’s advantage in the region, RIA Novosti news agency reported.
US officials have not officially confirmed the information; however, local media suggest that the decision not to conduct exercises was made due to the US side’s unwillingness to seek assistance. The Polar Star was built back in 1976 and has been still operational, even in the Antarctic. Meanwhile, Russia has several nuclear-powered icebreakers, along with standard icebreakers. The world’s ten nuclear-powered vessels have been designed in the USSR and Russia.
Yet, the fears are groundless, Nenashev emphasized, saying that Russia intends to develop cooperation along the Northern Sea Route in case foreign specialists conduct research or carry out transportation there.
“Russia is ready to provide assistance; American should not fear. If they need help, Russia is ready to offer it”, he said.