Steve Rosenberg
Russian Editor
EPA
Speaking in the Russian Arctic on Thursday, Putin said competition in the region is growing.
In Murmansk, the largest city in the north of the Arctic, President Vladimir Putin has vowed to “strengthen Russia’s global leadership in the Arctic,” warning that “geopolitical competition in the region is growing.”
The first example he gave was Donald Trump’s idea to win Greenland.
However, there was no criticism from the Kremlin leaders of his US counterpart.
And that’s what it says as the White House and the Kremlin try to rebuild their relationship.
“In short, America’s plans for Greenland are serious,” Putin said in a speech to the Russian Arctic Forum in Murmansk.
“These plans have deep historical roots, and it is clear that the United States will continue to systematically pursue geostrategic, military-political and economic interests.
“When it comes to Greenland, this is a problem in two specific countries. It has nothing to do with us.”
So the president, who claimed to have launched a full-scale invasion of sovereign neighbours and annexed the Ukrainian flock, said.
When Joe Biden was in the White House, Moscow and Washington were speaking out at each other’s criticism.
How things have changed.
Today, Russia is promoting the idea of economic cooperation with the US in the Arctic, packed with natural resources.
“We are open to considering various investment opportunities that can be done in collaboration with the US in certain sectors approved by the Russian government,” says Kiril Dmitriev, President Putin’s envoy for foreign investment and economic cooperation.
Dmitriev, who is also the CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, is already in talks with US officials.
“We are seeking investment cooperation in the Arctic, which could be in logistics, or other areas that are beneficial to Russia and the US,” adds Dmitriev.
“But before you make a deal, the war in Ukraine needs to be over,” I suggest.
“Many people in the West accused Russia of limping, not showing compromises or concessions, just setting conditions.”
“I’m focusing on economics and investment, so I won’t comment on political issues,” replies Dmitriev.
“The only thing I can say is that we have a very good dialogue. I think it’s very important that the US is trying to understand Russia’s position.”
Watch: Krill Dmitrievi in discussion with BBC’s Steve Rosenberg
Moscow appears to be sure it can plead Washington with its promise of lucrative deals across the Arctic and Russia.
This confidence can be understood in light of the fact that senior US officials are repeating the Kremlin talking about wars in Ukraine and wars in Europe.
In a recent interview with former Fox news commentator Tucker Carlson, Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkov appeared to accept the outcome of a Moscow-organized referendum held on Ukrainian territory seized and occupied by Russia.
These votes are not recognized by the international community.
In the recent headlines of Russian newspapers, “We and the Russian officials are speaking the same language now.”
Are Russian authorities totally surprised by the oceanic changes in US Russian policy?
“[In America] Nikolai Patrchev, former head of Russia’s FSB domestic security services, said:
Currently Putin’s aide, Patrchev, is one of Russia’s most powerful figures.
On the sideline of the Arctic Forum he told me: “When Democrats came to power, they took one view. Republicans have another view.
“That doesn’t mean they agree with the Russian position. It’s just that they have their own position, they promote and we can work with them.”
I ask Patlshev: “Do you feel like a new world order is being fake?”
“We once had a system where two forces were dominated by the world. There was only one. Now we’re building a multipolar world.
Nikolai Patrushev of the Arctic Forum
In the heart of Murmansk, a giant inflatable whales took over one of the city’s squares.
Attached to a wire, it rocks the ocean of silver balloons designed to look like waves. The balloons dance in the wind beneath the beast of the explosion.
It’s a huge installation. However, Russia has enormous ambitions, both because of its Arctic Circle and its relations with the US.
Whales are gaining great interest in many families taking photos.
A giant whale artwork in the heart of Murmansk
It’s an opportunity to ask the Russians if they support the idea of economic cooperation with the Arctic America, and if they were surprised when Washington appears to be taking the side of Moscow.
Erina isn’t.
“Russia is strong,” she says. “You should always back up the strong and go with them.”
Erina was among the locals who gathered at the Murmansk Centre.
“We need to develop the Arctic,” Olga told me. “Cooperation with a ‘friendly country’ is good. ”
“And do you think of America as a ‘friendly country’? ” I ask.
“What do you know? I can’t decide.” Reply to Olga.
Meanwhile, the president’s envoy Dmitriev sings the praises of a particular American and relies on his cooperation.
“I believe Elon Musk is a great visionary, a great leader and a very successful man,” Dmitriev tells me. “Russia has a lot to offer its mission to Mars, as it has several nuclear technologies that can be applied.
“There are some video conferences that I think are getting closer with the Musk team.”
