Top Russian official on Arctic affairs resigns
Aleksandr Krutikov was expected to play a key role in Russia’s upcoming chairmanship in the Arctic Council
The First Deputy Minister of the Far East and Arctic this week announced that he is leaving his post after 6,5 years in the government structure.
In a social media post, Krutikov says he is especially proud of his ministry’s achievement with the establishment of a special economic zone across major parts of the Russian Arctic.
Krutikov offers no explanation for his sudden resignation. It is not yet clear who will take over his post.
Just few days ago, the First Deputy Minister participated in a meeting in the Presidium of the Russian Arctic Commission where Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Trutnev outlined several new Russian priorities.
Krutikov has been in charge of Arctic affairs ever since the Ministry of the Far East was extended to include also the Arctic in early 2019. Over the past years, Krutikov has worked closely with his superior, Minister Aleksandr Kozlov. In November 2019, Kozlov was transferred to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Aleksey Chekunov appointed new minister.
Russia to chair Arctic Council
The Ministry of the Far East and Arctic is under close supervision of Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Trutnev.
Aleksandr Krutikov was believed to play a key role in Russia’s upcoming chairmanship period in the Arctic Council. Russia takes over the rotating chair from Iceland in May this year.
Related stories from around the North:
Canada: 2019 saw increase in commercial shipping through Northwest Passage, Radio Canada International
China: US sanctions against Chinese shipping company could hurt Russia’s LNG exports, The Independent Barents Observer
Finland: Finland’s aging icebreaker fleet needs modernization, Yle News
Iceland: New guideline launched for Arctic-specific risk assessment in shipping, Eye on the Arctic
Norway: Hybrid-powered electric cruise ship navigates Northwest Passage, CBC News
Russia: Shipping on Northern Sea Route breaks record, The Independent Barents Observer
United States: Biden’s pick for Interior secretary is Indigenous and a passionate foe of drilling in Arctic Refuge, Alaska Public Media
