Russian workers stranded without pay in Arctic project push
Over 700 construction workers have been left without pay in the remote town of Bilibino in northeastern Russia, according to reports from Russian opposition media. Those who have refused to work without pay are not receiving food. The issue concerns a significant investment by Vladimir Putin's regime in the Arctic.
"Since March, workers from the company Zemtek in the village of Bilibino, who are building a mining and processing plant, have not been receiving their pay," said human rights activist Natalia Diemenko to the opposition portal "Govorit NeMoskva."
The construction workers have not received wages for several months, as they state in a recording addressed to Russian leader Vladimir Putin. "We are being held here against our will," they say in the recording.
The investment that Zemtek workers are undertaking in the Arctic is intended by the Kremlin to increase national copper production by 25% and gold by 4%. Unmanned technologies are planned for use in this project.
Without pay, with loans, some without food
Natalia Diemenko also reported that some workers who refused to work without pay were deprived of food for at least 36 hours.
About 400 rotational workers were later transported from Bilibino to Magadan, approximately 1,200 kilometres away, following the activist's intervention with law enforcement. Some of them had to take out loans to pay for plane tickets.
The remaining 700 workers are still in Bilibino because Zemtek suddenly cancelled their planned evacuation flights without providing a reason, as reported by the "Moscow Times".
The company, founded by Sergey Andrianov in 2015, had earlier promised to pay the overdue wages by 30 May.
Putin strengthens his position in the Arctic
In March, Vladimir Putin announced the strengthening of the Russian forces stationed in the Arctic, aiming to protect Moscow's interests in this strategic region.
During a forum in Murmansk, he highlighted the growing role of the Arctic for Russia and the world, observing that the region is becoming a site of intense competition. Russia plans to develop trade through the northern route, shifting it towards Asia, in response to Western sanctions.
The Russian leader called for the expansion of northern ports and the construction of a commercial fleet supported by modern icebreakers, including those with nuclear propulsion. Cooperation with foreign shipyards and the purchase of new vessels are essential to meet these challenges.
