Russia's arms buildup is destroying the Arctic ecosystems of the Barents Sea

Russian military buildup is destroying the Arctic ecosystems of the Barents Sea.

The Guardian reported this.

Since 2014, the Russians have built 475 military facilities along the northern border: airstrips, bunkers, and bases.

"The latest military buildup has already resulted in an increase in weapons testing and marine traffic, including from new and refurbished nuclear-powered icebreakers and submarines — with the attendant risk of nuclear accidents," the report says. 

In addition, Russia's shorter northern sea route between Europe and Asia is still unreliable. And the longer route east to Asia is often much more "ice-clogged" and dangerous than the alternative route west.

However, Russia's increasing dependence on China due to its isolation from Western economies will have an impact on the growth of traffic on the route.

"More oil, more shipping with vessels that are not equipped for the Arctic Ocean," says environmentalist Tero Mustonen.

The environmentalist warns of increasing oil pollution from ships and tankers, which will "devastate marine systems."

The Barents Sea is home to Atlantic puffins, dolphins, seals, and rare polar whales. Environmentalists say the area is now one of the most polluted places in the world.