Russia's Arctic 'priority'

Last Modified: 31 Aug 2007
By: Jon Snow

The explorer who planted Russia's flag at the North Pole says his country's scientists have a duty to explore the area.

"Russia has a priority here." That is the view of the country's most famous explorer, who led the expedition to stake Moscow's claim to this territory, planting a special titanium flag on the Arctic seabed.

Norway believes the presence of Russian workers in Barentsburg owes more to its strategic positioning than its economy.

Artur Chilingarov, in his first interview since the mission, has told Channel 4 News that Russia will abide by international law. But he says Russian scientists have a duty to explore the area.

And indeed, Russia still maintains a physical presence here. Channel 4 News has travelled to Svalbard's only remaining Russian settlement.

We sailed west to Barentsburg, where Russian and Ukrainian workers continue to mine coal, even though Norway believes their continued presence owes more to its strategic positioning than its economy.