The Cold War You Haven't Heard Of: Putin's Secret Bases That Should Worry Us All | Weekend Special

While the world is focused on Ukraine, Russia is secretly building futuristic military bases in the Arctic, including runways for strategic bombers and air defense systems. The article reveals Russia's ambitions to become a superpower in the polar region, the competition with China and NATO, and the implications for Israel. However, the war in Ukraine is eroding Russia's resources and forcing it to move forces from the north to the southern front.

While the world is preoccupied with hatred of Israel and Ukraine, Russia is secretly building futuristic combat cities in the heart of the North Pole. The melting ice is revealing new shipping routes and natural resources, and Russia sees the Arctic as a triple strategic asset: a security border against NATO, a resource reservoir, and a future maritime "highway." The highlight is the "Northern Sea Route," which shortens the distance between Asia and Europe. Since 2014, Russia has been establishing bases like "Arctic Clover" and "Northern Clover," equipped with radars, airfields for strategic bombers, and air defense systems. China, which defines itself as a "near-Arctic state," is also investing in Russian infrastructure, while the US and NATO are beginning to wake up. However, the war in Ukraine is eroding Russia's resources, and some of its defense systems and elite forces have been transferred from the Arctic to the Ukrainian front. For Israel, if the Russian focus shifts north, its freedom of action in Syria and the Iranian arena may change.