<h1>Sovereignty assertions in the Arctic signal strengthened Russian military posture while affirming openness to international cooperation on resource projects.</h1> Russia asserts protection of sovereignty in the Arctic through military modernisation and increased capability in reaction to NATO activities, while conditioning wider international cooperation and joint energy or infrastructure projects on the strength of its regional position. The emphasis rests on safeguarding national interests, securing maritime access and resource entitlement amid intensified geostrategic competition over Arctic shipping routes and natural resources.