BRICS-backed Russian mission to Antarctica stirs controversy
Russian icebreakers with scientists from the BRICS group have set off from Cape Town and Rio Grande towards Antarctica. They plan to conduct research there, during which they will search for deposits of gas and oil.
The Russian icebreakers "Akademik Fedorov" and "Akademik Tryoshnikov" have set off for Antarctica with BRICS group scientists on board. "Akademik Fedorov" departed from Cape Town, while "Akademik Tryoshnikov" left from the Brazilian port of Rio Grande. The expedition aims to study the impact of climate change on the environment, but according to the Polish Press Agency and "Daily Maverick," the main goal is to search for resources such as oil and gas in eastern Antarctica.
The expedition, which will last 60 days, includes over 500 scientists from seven countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, India, Peru, and Russia. Researchers from South Africa will also join the team. The scientists will visit coastal research stations belonging to China, India, and Russia, covering a distance of approximately 20,100 kilometres.
Russia, isolated on the international stage after the invasion of Ukraine, is looking for new partners in the BRICS group. Cooperation with BRICS countries, which declare neutrality towards the conflict, allows Russia to continue its scientific research. The expedition is part of Russia's 70th Antarctic expedition. Russia maintains five year-round research stations there.
The international polar research community sharply condemned Russian aggression against Ukraine during the Antarctic management forum in June 2022. Despite this, Russia disregards the criticism and continues its research activities, receiving support from BRICS countries.
As part of the latest expedition, not only scientific research will be conducted. It will also include the search for natural resources, which raises controversy regarding Antarctica's environmental protection.
