The Kremlin is expanding its military presence in the Arctic and preparing a foothold for resource-driven expansion, according to Andrii Cherniak, a representative of the Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) of Ukraine's Ministry of Defense Amid global warming and the opening of new strategic opportunities in the Arctic — particularly mineral deposits and the Northern Sea Route — Russia is stepping up its activity in the region. The aggressor state is attempting to establish a lasting economic and military-technical presence under the guise of "scientific research." A key tool in implementing Russia’s Arctic strategy is the state enterprise Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute. Although it formally carries out “scientific missions,” Cherniak noted that it actually functions as part of Moscow’s resource-military project.