In written remarks to the U.S. Senate committee on armed services, U.S. Gen. Terrence O'Shaughnessy said Russia has been steadily expanding its military presence in the North by upgrading its long-range bombers and developing new warships capable of carrying cruise missiles.

A House of Commons committee is urging the government to work with NATO to determine Russia's military intentions in the North and get help to protect the country's Arctic sovereignty.

President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday put forward an ambitious program to secure Russia’s foothold in the Arctic, including efforts to build new ports and other infrastructure facilities and expand an icebreaker fleet.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is visiting an Arctic archipelago as part of the country's efforts to reaffirm its foothold in the region.